WATCH: DeVonta Smith hauls in first career NFL touchdown
DeVonta Smith has caught the first touchdown of his NFL career. In the Philadelphia Eagles’ season opener at the Atlanta Falcons, they got off to a quick start, driving down the field on their first possession of the season. The seven play, 75-yard drive ended with an 18-yard touchdown to Smith from Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Smith was lined up in the slot on the left side of the field. He made a quick move outside and beat the defender, making an impressive toe-tap catch in the front corner of the endzone. The touchdown grab is also the first reception of Smith’s NFL career.
The Falcons started the game with a 14 play, 72-yard drive that ended with a 21-yard Younghoe Koo field goal. Smith’s first touchdown of his career gave the Eagles a 7-3 lead.
Smith had a productive college career at Alabama
In 2019, Smith Broke out for the Crimson Tide with 68 receptions, 1,256 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Last season, Smith played a pivotal role on Alabama’s undefeated, national championship winning season. Smith hauled in 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 24 total touchdowns. The incredible stats resulted in a Heisman Trophy for the wide receiver. Philadelphia selected Smith 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Alabama head coach said that he was excited to see Smith win the Heisman. He said that not many players work harder than Smith, and that it is nice to see players like him gaining positive recognition. Smith’s first career touchdown is the start to what could be a highly productive season for the Eagles.
“Well, I was excited for Smitty,” Saban said earlier in the offseason. “I talked about competitive character earlier. I don’t know that we’ve had three players in the program over the 14 teams we’ve been a part of here that have had better competitive character, was a better leader on the team, or set a better example on and off the field for what you want to see people do for an opportunity to be successful.
“So, in every way, as a player, in his production, his performance, the kind of person he was, the kind of character he had, you always root for guys that do all those things exactly right. You’re so happy for them when they get some kind of positive recognition because of what they were able to accomplish.”
Now that Smith has his first career touchdown out of the way, he will look to continue playing a major role on the Eagles’ offense. Smith could immediately become the Eagles’ top wideout.