WATCH: DeVonta Smith makes Philadelphia Eagles history
DeVonta Smith has made a career of quietly, humbly accomplishing major feats. His collegiate performance as a wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide was unstoppable and he was the runaway Heisman Trophy winner.
On Saturday night, Smith accomplished a rare feat when it comes to wideouts in Philly. On a reception from Garner Minshew, DeVonta Smith hit 916 receiving yards for the season, passing DeSean Jackson’s previous record of (912).
In typical Smith fashion, the reception came on a smooth route, highly thrown ball but the as we have seen so many times before, the former Alabama star leaped up and pulled it down.
Smith entered Saturday’s contest 38-yards shy of tying Jackson, and hauled in a 25-yard catch on a tipped pass, to log his first target of the night.
After a 12-yard comeback, Smith was just one-yard short before securing an out route to land at 916-yards before exiting.
DeVonta Smith plays well in early January
It’s safe to say the speedy, precise route-runner –who has been questioned for his size throughout his career– almost always delivers when he hits the gridiron.
During his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, the now NFL star wide receiever made a point to directly speak to kids who think they are too small, or can’t accomplish thier goals because of physical limitations.
“And just to all the young kids out there that’s not the biggest, not the strongest, just keep pushing because I’m not the biggest,” DeVonta Smith said emphatically.
“I’ve been doubted a lot just because of my size, and really it just comes down to you put your mind to it, you can do it. No job is too big. If you put your mind to it, you can do it, and just keep believing in God, and you’ll get where you want to be.”
His stats upon leaving Tuscaloosa were absolutely insane. Smith finished his four years with the Crimson Tide with 235 receptions for 3,965 yards and 46 touchdowns, while averaging 16.9 yards a grab.
But when January rolls around, DeVonta Smith clearly shines the brightest.
Four years ago today, Alabama won their fifth national championship under Nick Saban on Tua Tagovailoa’s walk-off TD pass to DeVonta Smith.