Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban can get it done with the best in college football history. Not only does he win on the field, but he's also a maestro on the recruiting trail. When he picked up the phone to call La Salle High School defensive back Devonta Smith, it paid off once again.
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Smith, a four-star recruit from Cincinnati, Ohio (and not to be confused with former Alabama star wide receiver and Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith who attended Amite High School in Louisiana), is ready to make his mark with the Crimson Tide. This, of course, is after his de-commitment from the Ohio State Buckeyes.
"Alabama has always been my dream school and somewhere I've always wanted to go and compete with the best and get coached by the best," Smith said, via 247Sports. "And also get my degree from, spend my four years there."
Bama world welcome my cousin to A.L.A.B.A.M.A. #RollTide #WhereLegendsAreMade @AlabamaFTBL @UofAlabama pic.twitter.com/heiqIav3IY
— Shaun Alexander (@shaunalexander) June 30, 2020
There's a family connection to Alabama, too. Smith's cousin is former Crimson Tide and NFL MVP running back Shaun Alexander. Needless to say, he has been welcomed to Tuscaloosa with open arms.
DB Devonta Smith Enrolls at Alabama
Blessed Because I’m Destined
Gps Done
Found A Better Way...💨❤️🐘 #COMMITTED #RollTide #BamaFactor pic.twitter.com/YvDTZEWqHC— 🥀Devonta Smith🥀 (@Prince_Tay_) June 29, 2020
RELATED: Alabama's New 4-Star LB Could Anchor Nick Saban's Defense For Years
Ranked as the nation's No. 20 cornerback for the 2021 football recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite, Devonta Smith ultimately picked the Tide over NCAA scholarship offers from Akron, Boston College, Cincinnati, Duke, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Iowa State, Kentucky, Liberty, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Toledo, Vanderbilt, Virginia, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Western Michigan, and Wisconsin.
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 16, 2020
The Ohio high school standout is ready to shut down every wide receiver that he lines up across in the SEC.
"I can't even lie to you. Bama has always been my dream school," Smith told 247Sports, which ranks him as a four-star prospect. "I've always looked up to Coach Saban. He's my idol. He's the best ever to do it in my eyes and I'm pretty sure everyone else's eyes, too. There really wasn't much of a pitch. His resumé puts it out there for you. There's nothing he promised me or nothing he can promise me. I'm going to go in there and put my head down and go to work like I always do. I've never been handed nothing in my life and I don't plan to get anything handed to me now. I'm going in to work for everything I need and want."
Another star player is Alabama-bound, and you better believe Smith will be ready to compete against the likes of Auburn, LSU, Florida, Clemson, Miami and Georgia in the coming years.
DB Devonta Smith Highlights
Devonta Smith follows the action nicely and is not afraid of contact. He hits as hard as a linebacker when he wants to.
Over his last two seasons, the star defensive back has registered 135 tackles, three forced fumbles, and seven interceptions. Those gaudy numbers will get him involved with Bama's defense early, although he may have a role on special teams to begin his career.
Alabama football is always a threat to win the College Football Playoff National Championship, and their pipeline to the NFL is unrivaled by any other college football program.
Looking like I got big shoes to fill. I accept it tho big bro fasho @DeVontaSmith_6 🤝💯#rolltide
— 🥀Devonta Smith🥀 (@Prince_Tay_) December 6, 2020
Tide fans just had to say goodbye to wide receiver Devonta Smith, who caught touchdowns from Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones over the years, but there's a great chance they're just as thrilled with the next one who will make them yell "Roll Tide!"
