Heisman Winner DeVonta Smith Grabs Top Collegiate Honor At ESPYS

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Before he has taken a single snap in the NFL, Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith will need to make even more room in his trophy case.

The former Crimson Tide standout and 2020 winner of college football's highest honor was awarded Male College Athlete of the Year at the 2021 ESPYS Saturday night, which is presented by the ABC television network and honors remarkable moments and achievements in sports over the previous year.

The awards have been around since 2004.

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Following his historic junior season at Alabama, which culminated in a national championship win over Ohio State, Smith opted to enter the professional ranks and was taken with the tenth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Going into a 2020 season with most eyes on star receiver Jaylen Waddle, Smith would emerge as a critical part of the Tide's offensive firepower — even more so after Waddle went down with an injury against Tennessee in October.

Over the course of the 2020 season and postseason leading up to the national championship, Smith caught 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns, breaking multiple single-season and career records along the way. He also logged 219 return yards and a touchdown on special teams.

In addition to the Heisman Trophy, Smith also took home SEC Offensive Player of the Year and became the first receiver named Associated Press Player of the Year.

A native of Amite, Louisiana, Smith was a standout talent for the Crimson Tide even during his freshman year, which was capped off with a game-winning 41-yard touchdown reception by way of a pass from Tua Tagovailoa to beat Georgia in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship.

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