DeVonta Smith ranks his top five all-time Alabama wide receivers
Especially over the past few years, Alabama has been able to pump out wide receivers. Special players have made their way to the league after dominating in the SEC with the Crimson Tide. None achieved more than DeVonta Smith, winning two national championships and a Heisman Trophy.
You would think that would be enough for Smith to be named the greatest Alabama wide receiver of all time. But he would actually disagree with you. In fact, Smith does not even view himself in the top three.
Smith was on the Big Play Slay podcast via the Volume Network and decided to have some fun with fellow Philadelphia Eagles teammate Darius Slay. He ranked the top five Alabama wide receivers to ever come through the program. To no surprise, all five have been in Tuscaloosa during the Nick Saban era.
- Julio Jones
- Amari Cooper
- Calvin Ridley
- Jerry Jeudy
- DeVonta Smith
There is one omission Alabama fans will debate internally. Jaylen Waddle was an incredible player for them and had multiple special performances. From the moment he stepped foot on campus as a true freshman, Waddle made a significant impact on the field.
However, there was a season-ending surgery during the 2020 season. Waddle found a way to play in the national championship against Ohio State but played in just six of 12 games.
DeVonta Smith explains Julio Jones taking top spot
Of the players to come through Alabama during the Saban era, Jones is credited with being one of the firsts. He was part of the 2008 recruiting class and according to the On3 Industry Rankings, was the No. 2 overall player in the country.
But back then, Alabama was interested in running the ball. Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy while Jones was in school as the Crimson Tide got national championship No. 1 under Saban. Even so, Jones was a monster.
“Julio got to be one,” Smith said. “Julio was just on another level. A true run-first offense. He was the only — like, Julio. No. 1.”
Within a few years, Jones will likely not find his name in the top five in any of Alabama’s record books when it comes to receptions, receiving yards, or touchdowns. Jones finished with 179 catches for 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Jones is still able to get the respect of his peers for his accomplishments in Tuscaloosa. When it’s all said and done, stats are not everything.