Kirk Herbstreit, Devonta Smith discuss Alabama’s secret to success
By Sean Labar
Published:
Kirk Herbstreit took some time with former Alabama star wide receiver — and current Eagles’ standout Devonta Smith — in a unique interview outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium as the Crimson Tide prepare to host Texas on Saturday in the biggest college football matchup on this weekend’s slate.
Herbstreit began walking with Smith down the “Walk of Champions” where players enter the stadium on game day and asked the former Crimson Tide star what that meant to him.
“Yeah it’s great, as you’re walking up, you see every natty, every SEC championship, so are you are walking up you get to the the legacy that was here before you and think about just carrying it on,” Smith said.
Hearing about Alabama’s prestigious legacy from one of the best College Football receivers of all time, DeVonta Smith, was truly something special. Got me pumped for the college football season just thinking about Alabama’s upcoming matchup vs Texas in the inaugural @Allstate… pic.twitter.com/iiKBDIgNnm
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) September 5, 2023
Smith then elaborated the experience as an Alabama player making that special entrance ahead of a home game.
“Oh man it’s crazy, families on both sides, little kids shouting your names, you know fans are just ready to see you go out there and take the field.”
The former Crimson Tide wide receiver had a surprising response when Herbstreit asked him about his memory of Nick Saban.
“He’s funny, man, everyone sees him as this mean, strict coach, but when you really get around him and get to know him, he’s funny,” Smith responded. “He’s always cracking jokes.”
Herbstreit pointed out the 2020 year added to the Walk of Champions and Smith noted that was extra special to him.
“When I first got here, it stopped at ‘15,” Smith said. “And then being able to have to of them, be a part of two of them, just coming back now seeing them, I’m glad I came here, wouldn’t choose any other way.”
Finally, the ESPN commentator asked the former Heisman winner the secret to Alabama’s success.
“The structure,” Smith replied. “Being mentally ready for the game and just understanding the overall part of the game. It’s not like ‘oh we are going to draw these lines and you are going to go out there and play. You are going to understand why you’re doing it and then you go out and do it physically and mentally.”
Sean Labar is an SEC football contributor for Saturday Down South.
