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Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith was already one of my all-time favorite college football players heading into Saturday, but something he did against Kentucky made me appreciate him even more.
And also earn a different kind of respect for the players competing every week during this college football season during a pandemic.
Smith had two scores in Alabama’s 63-3 win to make him the SEC’s all-time career TD leader (33), but it wasn’t it. It wasn’t his nine receptions for 144 yards, either. Those stats are incredible, sure, but with Smith it was the passion that lies dormant in his heart for this game and his team that has always impressed me more than anything.
What he tried to do in the fourth quarter against Kentucky was just plain crazy, however.
Smith returned to Alabama for his senior season, and everyone just assumed it was to improve his stock in the NFL Draft. Maybe it had something to do with it, but college football business wasn’t what motivated Smith in the fourth quarter of a huge Iron Bowl blowout looming next week.
With 8:21 to go in the game and Alabama leading by 53 points, Smith stood on the sidelines with his friend John Metchie III and watched the Alabama defense with intention. At first I thought Smith and Metchie were just enjoying the game as spectators. Their day was over, of course, but they were good teammates following the action to the end. This is what I assumed.
To my surprise, this was not the case. Not at all.
RELATED: See Chris Doering react to Smith breaking his record
Never assume, they teach you in journalism school and in newsrooms across America.
Through binoculars on the other side of the field, I watched Smith in disbelief as he watched the Alabama defense take second, then come back to the bench to grab his helmet. Does this guy want to return another punt? No way.
Understand the context here to fully appreciate the moment.
Smith had already fielded two kicks in the second half, which probably made all of the Alabama fans hold their breath in fear. Smith is arguably Alabama’s most important player beyond quarterback Mac Jones, and his role took on even greater significance when wide receiver Jaylen Waddle suffered a late-season injury, you know, returning a kick.
Tackle Smitty, I thought. Don’t leave it on the ground.
RELATED: What Nick Saban said after Alabama’s 63-3 win over Kentucky
Moments later, the Alabama defense stopped Kentucky on the third try, and Smith put on his helmet and walked over to defensive back Patrick Surtain II. It was Surtain who was due to return the next punt, but Smith was about to try to pull the rank of the younger player.
From his body language, it appeared that Surtain initially thought Smith was joking. Then Smith started to put on his chin strap and Surtain got serious. He shook his head and dismissed the directive from the permanent senior captain of Alabama. No chance, Surtain said.
With Kentucky facing fourth place, the Alabama special teams players began to walk the field. Smith and Surtain both came out onto the field in an incredible turner-chicken duel. Alabama were leading 56-3, but who’s going to flinch first?
Anyone, anyone, please call timeout to physically remove Smith from the game.
A voice of reason solved the madness unfolding on the field in the fourth quarter, and the unofficially launched Iron Bowl Week. A coach called Smith and ordered him to step back on the sidelines. Reluctantly, Smith left.
It was then, for me, that Smith became something more than a football legend in Alabama. He has become the embodiment of the importance of football in Alabama to all who love him. Being the best is not enough.
After the game, Nick Saban was asked about Smith’s return for his senior season, and the Alabama coach said there was no one else on the team who “stands up for our core values. “. I’ve always been amazed by Smith’s pre-game routine before kickoff. Every warm-up exercise is as important as any game in a game. His pursuit of excellence is second to none and it has been an honor to watch him.
Looking back on this incredible era of Alabama football, Smith won’t be the player chosen as his best wide receiver, yet he holds the career, single game (five) touchdown receptions record. Perhaps more important than anything, he’s the receiver who caught one of the most famous touchdowns in college football history (2nd and 26th).
Smith’s Senior Day is approaching, and something tells me it will be impossible to keep him off the field.
Joseph Goodman is a columnist for the Alabama Media Group. He’s on Twitter @JoeGoodmanJr.
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