Generally, getting an invite to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony is the pinnacle of a college football career. But in a most unusual season, DeVonta Smith was declared the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner in a ceremony held remotely.
Smith was the first wide receiver since 1991 to win college football's most prestigious award.
Smith was among four who were given the “virtual” invitation to Tuesday’s ceremony. Smith was joined by teammate Mac Jones, the Alabama’s quarterback. Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Florida’s Kyle Trask also received invitations.
The Heisman voting was held in the week before last week’s College Football Playoff. But if anything, Smith’s performance in last week’s semifinal against Notre Dame only solidified his status as the nation’s top college football player.
Smith scored three touchdowns in the win that helped Alabama advance to the College Football Playoff.
Coming into the season, Lawrence was largely considered the frontrunner for the award. His Heisman campaign was largely hampered due to missing two contests, including a key regular season game against Notre Dame, due to contracting the coronavirus.