It was a lofty request, however nowadays the expectations surrounding DeVonta Smith are limitless.

Earlier than Alabama’s recreation on Saturday, Smith bought a textual content from former teammate and present Denver Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy calling for him to file 300 yards and three touchdowns towards LSU.

The Alabama receiver practically delivered.

Smith recorded the fourth 200-yard recreation of his profession, pulling in eight receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns through the Tide’s 55-17 victory in Baton Rouge, La. Though, so far as the senior is anxious, that’s simply one other day on the workplace.

“It was all proper,” Smith mentioned. “There was some stuff that I felt I left on the market or we left on the market that I want I might have finished totally different.”

It’s exhausting to think about what that might be.

LSU did nearly every little thing doable to cease the star receiver Saturday evening. The Tigers doubled Smith and routinely known as on five-star cornerback Derek Stingley cowl him. None of it labored.

“He had some challenges on the market immediately as a result of they have been making an attempt to take him out of the sport,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban mentioned. “He nonetheless carried out effectively.”

The spotlight of Smith’s evening got here on his third landing when he out jumped Stingley whereas coming down with a one-handed seize at the back of the top zone. Performs like that from gamers like Smith at this level within the season would typically be described as “Heisman moments” — that’s if receivers truly gained the award.

Michigan’s Desmond Howard is the final receiver to win the Heisman Trophy, claiming the respect in 1991. 9 of the final 10 recipients of the award have been quarterbacks, together with the final 4 winners.

Nonetheless, Smith is making fairly the case for himself this season.

By means of 9 video games this season, the senior leads the nation with 1,305 yards and 15 touchdowns whereas rating second with 80 receptions.

Heading into Saturday’s recreation, the FanDuel Sportsbook listed Smith at 40-1 to win the Heisman, the most effective odds of any non-quarterback, however nonetheless a far approach off from Florida’s Kyle Trask (20-27) and even his personal Alabama teammate Mac Jones (3-2).

Following his efficiency Smith acknowledged the character of the award, stating that quarterbacks naturally had extra alternatives to place up numbers. It doesn’t actually trouble the receiver, who says he has his eyes on totally different {hardware} anyway.

“Finally, I’m right here to win a championship,” Smith mentioned. “If I’m within the Heisman race, I’m in it. I’m not too actually centered on it. I’m finally right here simply to win a championship. That’s the rationale I got here again.”

Saban isn’t one for campaigning both. Nonetheless, the pinnacle coach was requested if his star receiver was the most effective participant within the nation following the sport. Saban admitted that he isn’t essentially able to make such a declare since he hasn’t had the chance to look at each participant this season. Nonetheless, even he has a tough time denying that Smith is particular.

“I really like Smitty,” Saban mentioned. “I feel he’s an excellent participant for our workforce. He’s in all probability finished as a lot this 12 months for our workforce as any participant we’ve ever had. He’s an important chief on the workforce. So it’s not honest to check him to anyone else that you simply didn’t even see. However I don’t assume there are a lot of gamers within the nation who’ve finished extra for his or her workforce than Smitty’s finished for our workforce.”