Kirby Smart has a long history with DeVonta Smith.

Based on that history, it’s easy for Georgia’s coach to recognize greatness when he sees it.

Most everyone is well aware of Smith’s first big moment on the national stage but long before he caught the winning touchdown in the national championship game, Smart knew the receiver as a skinny middle school prospect from Louisiana.

During a recent podcast interview with Bryant McFadden, Smart quickly mentioned Smith when asked which player should win the upcoming 2020 Heisman Trophy award.

“That’s a great question. I wouldn’t normally answer that but I’m not going to be politically correct and say who I think is the best player, and everyone will know why he’s the best player,” Smart said. “Because of what he did to Georgia, DeVonta Smith. This is a young man that I had in camp when he was in the eighth and ninth grade at Alabama, he weighed like 125. He was so small and so talented.

“One time he was actually committed to Georgia, not many people remember that. Decommitted, ending up going to Georgia, wins the national championship on the last play of the game against us and had a phenomenal game against us this year.”

During the Alabama-Georgia game back on Oct. 17, Smith caught 11 passes for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Kirby hasn’t forgotten: