College Football Playoff: 3 Players to watch, Alabama vs Ohio State

When former Alabama receiver — and DeVonta Smith’s teammate — Jerry Jeudy was drafted, many scouts felt Jeudy was the most accomplished route runner coming out of college in a long time.

Then DeVonta Smith played this season. Smith, who was primarily a deep-threat last season, improved as a rout-runner this season and became quarterback Mac Jones’ primary receiver.

Smith had to step up this season after Jaylen Waddle hurt his ankle earlier in the season. Smith led this receiver group and elevated the play of all of the wide outs in Tuscaloosa. Smith could not only have an influence on the offense, but he could also have an influence on special teams as a returner.

Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian will scheme a way to get Smith open. However, it is Smith’s ability to understand coverage and how a secondary wants to cover him is Smith’s best attribute. Simply put, Smith knows how to get open.

The Louisiana native is a combination of freakish athleticism and cerebral knowledge. Not only can Smith get open against virtually any secondary, but he can also score from anywhere on the field .