This is the first time a wide receiver has won the prestigious award since Desmond Howard in Michigan in 1991, and Smith becomes only the fourth wide receiver to win the Heisman since its inception in 1935.
A college football season, unlike any other, also had an award ceremony. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Smith accepted the award virtually from the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa. The award is usually presented in December during a star-studded event in New York.
But a season that usually starts in August only started at the end of September.
The senior wideout had an overwhelming season for the unbeaten tide, with 105 passes for 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns.
“I feel pretty relieved because it’s over now (and) that I can concentrate on this last game,” Smith said. “It feels great to just hear my name call.”
Smith is expected to play in Alabama’s upcoming national title game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Jan. 11 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
The Heisman Trophy is presented to the player who is voted the country’s most excellent college footballer. Three Alabama players won the award – Smith, Mark Ingram captain in 2009 and fullback Derrick Henry in 2015.
“It’s a blessing. Those guys set a standard,” he said. “And I’m just excited that I got the chance to come here and try to play on the standard and set the standard for everyone who will come after that.”
Smith won the award with 1,856 points. Clemson fullback Trevor Lawrence, who is regarded by many commentators as the first choice in the NFL draft, was second with 1,187 points. Lawrence missed two games after contracting the coronavirus.
Smith’s teammate, fullback Mac Jones, was third; Florida quarterback Kyle Trask was fourth; and Najee Harris, Alabama, finished fifth.
Smith said it means a lot to me to be one of the four wide recipients to win the award.