The biggest award in college football has been largely held hostage by backs and runners for most of the past three decades. Alabama’s wide receiver DeVonta Smith changed that on Tuesday night when he was named the winner of the 2020 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first pass catcher to be named college football’s best player in 29 years.
Smith beat three fellow Heisman finalists – all quarterbacks – in Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence (second), Alabama’s Mac Jones (third) and Florida’s Kyle Trask (fourth) for the country’s honor. He thus becomes the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard in Michigan in 1991, and only the fourth ever in his position.
Since only Charles Woodson, the corner of Michigan, served as an exception in 1997, a fullback or running back has won the Heisman in 27 of the past 28 years, including 22 straight from 1998-2019. Smith’s victory also breaks a series of four fullbacks who won the award.
Smith’s statistical performance during the 2020 season was unmatched, and the impact he made at No. 1 in Alabama was immeasurable. He scored 1,641 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, averaging 15.6 yards for each of his 105 receptions. Smith also had every rush and as a points learner an attack, which earned him 22 total scores on the year. He managed it despite not opening the season as the Crimson Tide’s best receiver was put on his shoulders with more pressure after an injury to teammate Jaylen Waddle.
Smith is a major reason why Alabama will compete in the College Football Playoff National Championship against the third state of Ohio on Monday. He is one of three Tide players to receive Heisman votes this season along with Jones and Najee Harris.
Lawrence entered 2020 as the favorite Heisman preseason, though COVID-19 editions limited his appearance. Trask was the Heisman favorite for most of the season – at one point with Jones – but a disappointing finish in Trask’s last two games has sent his momentum down sharply, despite his FBS best quarterback stats.
Smith is expected to be one of the top players selected in the 2021 NFL draft. He recorded 43 touches through the air and received 3,750 yards in his collegiate career, averaging 16.8 yards per reception.
Vote for Heisman Trophy in 2020
- DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama: 1,866 points (447 votes in first place)
- Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson: 1,187 points (222)
- Mac Jones, QB, Alabama: 1,130 points (138)
- Kyle Trask, QB, Florida: 737 points (61)
- Najee Harris, RB, Alabama: 216 points (16)