Alabama wide receiver and return specialist DeVonta Smith has been named winner of the 11th annual Paul Hornung Award, the Louisville Sports Commission announced Tuesday afternoon.
Smith becomes the first Alabama player to win the award that is presented to the most versatile player in major college football.
“I am truly honored to be named the winner of the Paul Hornung Award,” Smith said. “I take pride in being the most complete and versatile football player I can possibly be, and to have my name mentioned in the same breath as Paul Hornung is truly special.”
DeVonta Smith
Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
- A prolific pass catcher and standout on special teams who has scored touchdowns three separate ways this season – receiving, rushing and returning punts
- Alabama’s leader in all-purpose yards with 1,912 to average 159.3 yards per game
- Leads the nation in receiving yards, touchdown receptions and yards after catch
- Averaging 24.3 yards per punt return with one touchdown across nine returns totaling 219 yards
- Also brought out three kickoffs for 46 yards to average 15.3 yards per return earlier this season
- Most recently, touched the ball three different ways for 145 all-purpose yards and three scores in Alabama’s 34-14 win over Notre Dame in the first round of the College Football Playoff
Smith was chosen as the Paul Hornung Award winner from among five finalists by a 17-member national selection committee comprised of sports journalists, coaches and retired NFL players; online fan voting accounted for the 18th vote. The Louisville Sports Commission created the award in 2011 along with football legend and Louisville native Paul Hornung, who passed away on Nov. 13, 2020, at age 84.
