In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college football world, veteran defensive back DeVonta Smith has announced his decision to enter the transfer portal. This news comes on the heels of a busy week of transfer portal activity for the Alabama Crimson Tide, with Smith becoming the 13th player to leave the program this cycle.
According to reports from Matt Zenit of 247 Sports, Smith, a redshirt junior, has decided to explore his options and will have one year of eligibility remaining at his next destination. The Cincinnati native arrived at Alabama in 2021 as a highly touted four-star prospect, choosing the Crimson Tide over offers from top programs like Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State.
Despite his promising recruitment, Smith saw limited action on the field during his first three seasons with the program, recording just six combined tackles. However, he finally got his chance to shine this season, starting 11 games at the “Husky” position and making a significant impact on the Tide defense.
Smith’s statistics this season are a testament to his growth and development as a player. He tallied 30 tackles, five passes defensed, and a forced fumble, providing a much-needed boost to the Alabama secondary. His experience and skillset will undoubtedly make him a highly sought-after commodity on the transfer market.
As Smith departs, the door opens for other players to step up and fill the void. One player who stands to benefit from Smith’s departure is DaShawn Jones, a transfer from Wake Forest who proved to be a solid rotational piece this season. Jones recorded 20 combined tackles, a forced fumble, and half a sack, and will likely see increased playing time in 2025.
The loss of Smith is undoubtedly a blow to the Alabama Crimson Tide, but it also presents an opportunity for other players to emerge and make their mark. As the college football world continues to evolve and players take advantage of their eligibility, one thing is certain: the Crimson Tide will continue to reload and compete at the highest level.
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