Alabama defender calls for Crimson Tide to retire DeVonta Smith’s jersey number

Alabama WR DeVonta Smith had a season for the ages in 2020, becoming the first wide receiver since Michigan’s Desmond Howard in 1991 to win the Heisman Trophy.

Smith had 12 catches for 215 yards and 3 touchdowns in the first half of the College Football Playoff title game on Monday night before suffering a hand injury, adding to his legend.

Now, as Smith prepares to head off to the NFL (presumably), Alabama DL Phidarian Mathis has a suggestion for the Crimson Tide — retire his No. 6 jersey:

https://twitter.com/PhidarianMathis/status/1349447646436581377

Even if Alabama doesn’t follow Mathis’s advice and retire the number, perhaps the school can follow LSU’s lead. The Tigers give out the No. 7 jersey to a top player. Maybe Alabama can do the same thing with the No. 6 jersey moving forward to honor Smith.

The ball is in Alabama’s court now. We’ll see if the Tide do anything to honor the incredible receiver who won 2 titles during his time in Tuscaloosa.

Adam Spencer

Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.