Bama WR Devonta Smith wins Heisman Trophy

Alabama senior wide out Devonta Smith became the first receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 29 years, claiming the honor Tuesday night.

Smith joins Michigan’s Desmond Howard (1991), Notre Dame’s Tim Brown (1987), and Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers (1975) as the only wide receivers to ever win the Heisman Trophy.

Smith beat out fellow finalists Trevor Lawrence (Clemson QB), Mac Jones (Alabama QB) and Kyle Trask (Florida QB).  Smith tallied 447 first place votes, Lawrence had 222, Jones had 138, and Trask 61.

Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris finished fifth in the voting, making No. 1 Alabama the second team in the 95-year history of the Heisman to have three of the top five vote-getters. Army did it in 1946 with Glenn Davis (first), Doc Blanchard (fourth) and Arnold Tucker (fifth).

Quarterbacks had won 17 of the previous 20 Heisman Trophies, including each of the last four.  Smith is the third Alabama player to win the Heisman Trophy, joining Mark Ingram (2009) and Derrick  Henry (2015), both running backs who  both also played in the national championship game after winning the award.  Smith will do the same on  Monday night when No.1 Alabama faces No.3 Ohio State for the national title.