Nick Saban explains DeVonta Smith's switch to defensive back
One of the interesting nuggets to come out of Alabama’s first spring practice was that WR DeVonta Smith — the player who caught the winning touchdown in the National Championship Game — was practicing with the cornerbacks.
That seemed to be an interesting move, as Smith was just coming into his own as a receiver at the end of last season.
Fear not, though, Alabama fans. On Tuesday night, coach Nick Saban explained that it was just a temporary move for the young receiver:
Saban on DeVonta Smith being at CB: We don't have enough guys in the secondary right now. But he hasn't moved positions. He played receiver the rest of the practice.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 20, 2018
Saban clearly thinks highly of Smith if he has him playing multiple positions, but it sounds doubtful that he’ll see the field on defense this fall.
Still, it’s never a bad idea to have versatile players on your roster, and Alabama has the talent and athleticism to do just that.