Introduction to DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). He is widely considered one of the top wide receivers in college football, and was the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner. Smith is known for his explosive speed, great hands, and reliable route running.
Did DeVonta Smith Miss Any Games?
The simple answer is yes, DeVonta Smith did miss some games during his college career. Smith missed four games total due to an injury, three of which were during his freshman year. He also missed the first game of the 2020 season due to NCAA eligibility rules.
Smith’s Injury History
Smith suffered a broken finger during his freshman year, causing him to miss three games. He also suffered a foot injury during his junior year, forcing him to miss one game. During the 2020 season, Smith was ruled ineligible for the first game due to a violation of NCAA eligibility rules.
What Games Did Smith Miss?
During his freshman year, Smith missed the following games:
- Arkansas State: Smith missed this game due to his broken finger.
- Ole Miss: Smith missed this game due to his broken finger.
- Texas A&M: Smith missed this game due to his broken finger.
During his junior year, Smith missed the following game:
- Arkansas: Smith missed this game due to a foot injury.
During the 2020 season, Smith was ruled ineligible for the first game due to a violation of NCAA eligibility rules.
How Did Smith’s Team Fare Without Him?
Smith’s team was able to manage fairly well without him. During his freshman year, Alabama was able to win all three of the games he missed. During his junior year, Alabama won the game he missed. During the 2020 season, Alabama was able to win their first game without Smith, and eventually went on to win the College Football Playoff National Championship.
What Was Smith’s Impact When He Returned?
When Smith returned from injury, he made an immediate impact on his team. He was a key contributor in all three games he missed during his freshman year, catching 17 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns. In the game he missed during his junior year, Smith had four receptions for 84 yards and a touchdown. In the 2020 season, Smith was an integral part of Alabama’s offense, leading the team in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,856), and receiving touchdowns (23).
Did Smith’s Injury Affect His Draft Stock?
Smith’s injury did not appear to affect his draft stock. Despite missing four games due to injury, Smith was still a highly coveted prospect and was drafted 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
Conclusion
DeVonta Smith did miss some games during his college career due to injury, but it did not seem to affect his draft stock. Smith’s explosive speed, great hands, and reliable route running have made him one of the top wide receivers in college football, and he was the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner. Despite missing four games due to injury, Smith was still highly coveted and was drafted 10th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
References
- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeVonta_Smith
- cbssports.com/college-football/news/alabama-wr-devonta-smith-ruled-ineligible-for-season-opener-due-to-ncaa-eligibility-violation/
- cbssports.com/nfl/draft/prospectrankings/2021/
- espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/4039861/devonta-smith