Alabama’s wide receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian did their best to keep the focus of their own career-defining moments as they prepared for Monday’s game with Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Smith on Wednesday chose not to rejoice in becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991. He said he went home after Tuesday’s virtual ceremony and ‘went to bed immediately’.
“Last night was a great feeling,” Smith said. ‘It was just a blessing to be in that situation [quarterback Mac Jones and coach Nick Saban]. But now it’s in the past, and now it’s to the state of Ohio. ‘
Smith, who led the country in receiving, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, is likely to equal in Monday’s championship game (20:00 ET, ESPN) with Shaun Wade, Ohio State All-America cornerback.
Smith calls Wade a ‘smart’ player who is a technician with everything he does. ‘
“I’m just looking forward to my last game,” Smith said. “I’m just the last one guaranteed, and I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
Smith is Mel Kiper’s fourth best prospect in the NFL draft in 2021 and his No. 1 spot.
Sarkisian, who will become the next head coach of the Texas Longhorns after Monday’s title game, said he is “clearly excited about the opportunity” that awaits him in Austin. However, he asked on Wednesday any questions regarding his remaining duties at the Crimson Tide.
Sarkisian, who previously coached at Washington (2009 to 2013) and USC (2014 to 2015), has been Alabama’s attacking coordinator for the past two seasons.
“The commitment I made to Coach Saban two years ago is the same commitment I made to these players, and it focuses on this game,” Sarkisian said. “To give this game the attention it deserves so that our players have the opportunity to play to the best of their abilities.”
Sarkisian said he is trying to keep this week as normal as possible.
“I have any time I have, my attention for the job in Texas, whether it’s staff or recruitment, things like that,” he said.
Sarkisian said Alabama receiver and return specialist Jaylen Waddle, who came down against an ankle injury against Tennessee in mid-October and has not appeared in a game since, trained on Tuesday. Sarkisian would not provide any further updates.
“We’ll see where it comes from,” Sarkisian said.
Prior to his injury, Waddle received 25 passes and four touchdowns. As a return specialist, he averaged 19.3 yards on point pupils during his three seasons.
Smith said Waddle looks good in practice, but he only gave a brief answer when asked if he believed his teammate could play.
“No comment,” Smith said.