Smith beats three quarterbacks for Heisman
Alabama star becomes first wide receiver to win trophy in 29 years
On an Alabama team stacked with stars, Devonta Smith emerged as the best player in college football.
Smith became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 seasons Tuesday night, breaking the monopoly quarterbacks have had on college football’s most prestigious award by beating out three of them.
“I want to thank my teammates,” Smith said during his acceptance speech. “With team success comes individual success so without you all, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today, winning this award.”
Smith finished with 447 first-place votes and 1,856 points to easily outdistance Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence (222, 1,187), Alabama teammate Mac Jones (138, 1,130) and Florida’s Kyle Trask (61, 737).
Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris finished fifth in the voting, making No. 1 Alabama the second team in the 95-year history of the Heisman to have three of the top five vote-getters. Army did it in
1946 with Glenn Davis (first), Doc Blanchard (fourth) and Arnold Tucker (fifth).
Smith, a senior, is the fourth receiver to win the Heisman, joining Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991, Notre Dame’s Tim Brown in 1987 and Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers in 1972.
Quarterbacks had won 17 of the previous 20 Heisman trophies, including the last four.
Smith was presented with the award in a virtual ceremony orchestrated by ESPN. The usual trip to New York for the finalists was called off because of the pandemic, and the winner was announced later than it had ever been before.
Smith accepted the trophy in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, decked out in a deep crimson jacket and shiny black bow tie.
CFP: College Football Playoff executive director Bill Hancock said Tuesday the national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State is still a go for Monday night amid a report that the Buckeyes are having COVID-19 issues. Al.com reported that Ohio State has been in contact with CFP officials about possible player availability problems that could force the game to be delayed. Those discussions were confirmed to The Associated Press by a person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because no one had been authorized to speak publicly about the details. Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith said in a statement that the Buckeyes continue to follow the same protocols they have all season. “We plan to play January 11,” Smith said.
Georgia: Georgia quarterback JT Daniels will be returning for another season. ... Defensive end Malik Herring and center Trey Hill announced on Twitter that they will give up their remaining eligibility with the Bulldogs to enter the draft.
Kentucky: Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson says he will enter the NCAA transfer portal for his final season of eligibility.
Mississippi: Mississippi offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby has agreed to a new two-year contract.
Tennessee: Tennessee cornerback Bryce Thompson has declared early for the NFL draft.
West Virginia: West Virginia quarterback Austin Kendall plans to play elsewhere next season. West Virginia spokesman Mike Montoro confirmed Tuesday that Kendall has put his name into the NCAA’S transfer database.
Wisconsin: Former Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan says he’s transferring to Notre Dame. Wisconsin disclosed two weeks ago that Coan had entered the transfer portal.