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This is the first time a wide receiver has won the prestigious award since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991, and Smith becomes just the fourth wide receiver to win the Heisman since its inception in 1935.
A college football season like no other has also had an awards ceremony like no other. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Smith accepted the award virtually from the University of Alabama campus at Tuscaloosa. The award is usually presented in December at a star-studded event in New York City.
But a season that usually starts in August didn’t start until the end of September.
The senior wide has had a dominant season for unbeaten Tide, catching 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“I’m a little relieved that it’s over now (and) that I can focus on this last game,” Smith said. “It feels good to hear my name called.”
Smith is set to play in Alabama’s next national title game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Jan. 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Heisman Trophy is presented to the player who has been voted the country’s most outstanding college football player. Three Alabama players took home the award: Smith, running back Mark Ingram in 2009 and running back Derrick Henry in 2015.
“It’s a blessing. These guys set a standard,” he said. “And I’m just excited to have had the chance to come here and try to play that standard and set the standard for everyone else that comes after.”
Smith won the award with 1,856 points. Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who many commentators consider the first pick in the NFL Draft, was second with 1187 points. Lawrence missed two games after contracting the coronavirus.
Smith’s teammate quarterback Mac Jones was third; Florida quarterback Kyle Trask was fourth; and Alabama running back Najee Harris was fifth.
Smith said being one of the top four receivers to win the award “means a lot to me.”
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