Alabama Football: Tide’s best-ever wide receiver goes in NFL Draft first round

Alabama Football added to its NFL first-round history Thursday night with the selection of DeVonta Smith to the Philadelphia Eagles as the No. 10 pick. The Alabama Football Heisman Trophy winner had been projected by many as the top wide receiver in the Draft but Ja’Marr Chase and Jaylen Waddle were chosen before Smith/

The Eagles got a steal with DeVonta at No. 10. What he weighs or doesn’t matter. Everything else about him points to future NFL success.

Alabama football fans had four great seasons to enjoy DeVonta. It might not have happened if not for the mentoring on Amite, LA barber, Vincent Sanders. Amite is deep in LSU country and many LSU fans attack Sanders for being pro-Crimson Tide. There is a good reason the LSU fans have been so tense. Nick Saban has kicked ass in the state of Louisiana for years.

DeVonta was a skinny 4-Star wide receiver and returner in high school. Early in his high school career, he barely tipped the scales at 120 pounds. After he physically matured and ballooned up to 150 pounds, LSU wanted him badly. Sanders has helped many high school players gain exposure to college coaches. He is both a friend and an advisor to the boys. He and DeVonta were close even before ‘Smitty’ became a local football star. Sanders has many times driven from southeast Louisiana to Tuscaloosa to give Smith a haircut. A recent cut required a longer drive to Florida. Smith recently spoke about his bond with Sanders.

"He has been there every step of the way. And he’s still here now so I know if it’s anything on the keys there. Vin Sanders’ got you. I wouldn’t be where I am…right from taking me places that I want to visit just to doing things and just helping me get to where I am. Father, a friend a brother, a mentor."

Alabama Football fans are thankful for the support and direction Sanders gave Smith. Even more, Tide fans are thankful for the player and the man DeVonta Smith became while in Tuscaloosa.

Bama Hammer contributor, Lauri Springer is one of many Crimson Tide fans enamored with Smitty. Before DeVonta won the Heisman, Lauri wrote,

"Smitty makes everything he does look easy. He burns every hopeful defensive back in his path. His routes are so clean and sharp, and he has the best hands in the country."

Lauri’s assessment is clear and like Smith’s route-running, her words are precise. Every word is true and nothing more needs to be said.