Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian did their best not to focus on their own career-defining moments as they prepare for Monday’s game with Ohio State in the National Playoff Championship. Football College.
Smith chose not to revel in becoming the first wide receiver to win the 1991 Heisman Trophy on Wednesday. He said he went home after Tuesday’s virtual ceremony and “went straight to bed.”
“Last night was a great feeling,” Smith said. “It was just a blessing to be in that situation [quarterback Mac Jones and coach Nick Saban]. But now it’s in the past, and now it’s in Ohio. “
Smith, who led the nation to receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns, will likely be tied against Ohio State All-America defender Shaun Wade in Monday’s championship game (8 pm ET, ESPN).
Smith called Wade a “cunning” player who is “a technician with everything he does.”
“I can’t wait for my last game,” Smith said. “I only have this last one guaranteed, so I’m looking forward to playing against him.”
Smith is Mel Kiper’s fourth-best prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft and his No. 1 receiver.
Sarkisian, who will become Texas Longhorns’ next head coach after Monday’s title game, said “I am clearly excited about the opportunity” awaiting him at Austin. However, he asked on Wednesday that any questions relate to his remaining duties with the Crimson Sea.
Sarkisian, who previously coached Washington (2009-2013) and USC (2014-2015), has been Alabama’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons.
“The commitment I made to coach Saban two years ago is the same commitment I made to these players and it’s focused on this game,” Sarkisian said. “Giving this game the attention it deserves, so that our players have the opportunity to come out and play their best.”
Sarkisian said he was trying to keep this week as normal as possible.
“Any of my free time draws my attention to the Texas job, whether it’s staffing or recruiting, things like that,” he said.
Sarkisian said Jaylen Waddle, a Alabama recovery and return specialist who fell with an ankle wound against Tennessee in mid-October and has not appeared in a game since, practiced Tuesday. Sarkisian would not provide any updates beyond that.
“We’ll see where it goes from here,” Sarkisian said.
Before the injury, Waddle caught 25 passes and four touchdowns. As a return specialist, he averaged 19.3 yards on return during the three seasons.
Smith said Waddle looked good in practice, but only gave a short answer when asked if he thought his teammate would be able to play.
“No comment,” Smith said.