Caprice Martinelli

Written by Caprice Martinelli

Modified & Updated: 06 Mar 2025

50-facts-about-devonta-smith
Source: Newsweek.com

Who is DeVonta Smith? DeVonta Smith, born on November 14, 1998, in Amite City, Louisiana, is a standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his speed, agility, and knack for making big plays, Smith has earned the nickname "Slim Reaper." His journey began at Amite High Magnet School, where he excelled in multiple sports. Smith's college career at Alabama was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in winning the Heisman Trophy in 2020. Drafted 10th overall by the Eagles in 2021, Smith quickly made his mark in the NFL. With numerous awards, records, and a promising future, Smith continues to captivate football fans everywhere.

Table of Contents

50 Facts About DeVonta Smith

Early Life and High School

DeVonta Smith's journey to NFL stardom began in a small town in Louisiana. His early years were filled with multiple sports and impressive achievements.

  1. Early Life: DeVonta Smith was born on November 14, 1998, in Amite City, Louisiana.
  2. High School: He attended Amite High Magnet School in Amite City, Louisiana.
  3. Sports Background: Smith played basketball, football, and track and field in high school.
  4. Recruiting Status: He was a five-star wide receiver in the class of 2017.
  5. High School Achievements: Led his high school team to the Louisiana 3A state championship game.
  6. Most Outstanding Player: Earned Most Outstanding Player honors after returning a kick 93 yards for a touchdown, catching eight passes for 111 yards, and nabbing an interception in a 40-36 loss.
  7. Army All-American Game: Smith played in the Army All-American game during his high school career.

College Career at Alabama

Smith's college career at Alabama was nothing short of spectacular. He set records, won awards, and left a lasting legacy.

  1. College Choice: Smith committed to play college football at the University of Alabama.
  2. College Years: He played for the Alabama Crimson Tide from 2017 to 2020.
  3. College Position: DeVonta Smith played as a wide receiver for Alabama.
  4. Height and Weight: He stands at 6 feet 0 inches (1.83 meters) and weighs 170 pounds (77 kilograms).
  5. 2017 Stats: 8 receptions for 160 yards and 3 touchdowns.
  6. 2018 Stats: 42 receptions for 693 yards and 6 touchdowns.
  7. 2019 Stats: 68 receptions for 1,256 yards and 14 touchdowns.
  8. 2020 Stats: 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 touchdowns.
  9. Career Stats: In his four-year college career, Smith had 235 receptions for 3,965 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns.
  10. Game-Winning Catch: In the 2018 CFP National Championship against Georgia, Smith made a game-winning 41-yard touchdown reception in overtime.
  11. Career Highlights: Led Alabama in receiving yards and touchdowns in the 2019 season.
  12. Career Highs: Set career highs with 274 yards and five touchdowns against Ole Miss in 2019.

Awards and Honors

Smith's talent and hard work earned him numerous awards and honors during his college career.

  1. Heisman Trophy Winner: Smith won the Heisman Trophy in 2020.
  2. Maxwell Award Winner: He received the Maxwell Award in 2020.
  3. Walter Camp Award Winner: Smith was honored with the Walter Camp Award in 2020.
  4. Fred Biletnikoff Award Winner: He won the Fred Biletnikoff Award in 2020.
  5. Paul Hornung Award Winner: Smith received the Paul Hornung Award in 2020.
  6. AP College Football Player of the Year: He was named AP College Football Player of the Year in 2020.
  7. Sporting News College Football Player of the Year: Smith earned this title in 2020.
  8. Unanimous All-American: He was a unanimous All-American in 2020.
  9. SEC Offensive Player of the Year: Smith was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2020.
  10. College Championships: Smith won two College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championships with Alabama in 2017 and 2020.
  11. CFP Championship Game Records: In the 2020 CFP Championship game, Smith set records with 12 catches, 215 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.
  12. Offensive MVP: He was named the CFP National Championship Offensive MVP in 2020.
  13. SEC Awards: Smith was a two-time First-team All-SEC selection in 2019 and 2020.
  14. Heisman Trophy Legacy: DeVonta Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard in 1991 and only the fourth overall.

NFL Career with the Philadelphia Eagles

Smith transitioned seamlessly into the NFL, quickly becoming a key player for the Philadelphia Eagles.

  1. NFL Draft: The Philadelphia Eagles selected DeVonta Smith as the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
  2. Rookie Season (2021): Smith recorded over 900 receiving yards in his rookie season.
  3. Contract Extension: In April 2024, he signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.
  4. Playing Style: Known for his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays, Smith has earned the nickname "Slim Reaper" due to his small frame and athletic ability.
  5. Career Stats (as of Week 9, 2024): Regular Season: 311 receptions for 4,011 yards and 27 touchdowns. Postseason: 31 receptions for 510 yards and one touchdown.
  6. Career Milestones: Became one of the youngest players to reach 1,000 receiving yards in a season.
  7. NFL Top 100 Players: Ranked 100th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.

Memorable NFL Moments

Smith has already created several memorable moments in his young NFL career.

  1. Career-High Game: Recorded a career-high 169 receiving yards in Week 3 of the 2022 season against the Washington Commanders.
  2. Impressive Performance: Had eight receptions for 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 16 of the 2022 season against the Dallas Cowboys.
  3. Postseason Touchdown: Had a receiving touchdown in the Divisional Round against the New York Giants in the 2022 postseason.
  4. One-Handed Catch: Recorded a one-handed 29-yard reception on fourth down against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game of the 2022 postseason.
  5. Super Bowl LVII: In Super Bowl LVII against the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith had seven catches for 100 yards in the 38-35 loss.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond the field, Smith is known for his community involvement and personal achievements.

  1. Community Involvement: Known for his charitable work, particularly in his hometown of Amite City, Louisiana.
  2. Social Media Presence: Active on social media platforms where he engages with fans and shares updates about his career.
  3. Fan Base: Has a dedicated fan base known for their enthusiasm and support both during games and on social media.
  4. Mentorship: Serves as a mentor to younger players, sharing his experiences and offering advice on how to navigate the challenges of professional sports.
  5. Family Support: Has a supportive family that has been instrumental in his journey from high school to professional football.

Devonta Smith: A Rising Star

Devonta Smith's journey from Amite City, Louisiana to the NFL showcases his dedication, talent, and hard work. From his high school days, where he excelled in multiple sports, to his standout college career at Alabama, Smith has consistently proven himself. Winning the Heisman Trophy and numerous other awards in 2020, he cemented his place in college football history. His transition to the Philadelphia Eagles has been seamless, with impressive stats and memorable performances. Smith's impact goes beyond the field, as he engages in community work and serves as a mentor to younger players. With a bright future ahead, Devonta Smith continues to inspire fans and athletes alike, solidifying his legacy as one of the top wide receivers in the game. Keep an eye on this rising star; his story is far from over.

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