Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian did their best to keep the focus of their own career defining moments as they prepare for Monday’s match-up with Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Smith on Wednesday chose not to enjoy becoming the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy since 1991. He said he went home after Tuesday’s virtual ceremony and “fell asleep instantly.”
“Last night was a great feeling,” said Smith. “It was just a blessing to be in that situation [quarterback Mac Jones and coach Nick Saban]. But now that’s in the past, and now it’s moving on to the state of Ohio. “
Smith, who led the nation in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, is likely to be matched against Ohio State All-America cornerback Shaun Wade in Monday’s championship game (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).
Smith called Wade a “cunning” player who “is a technician with everything he does.”
“I’m just looking forward to my last game,” said Smith. “I am only assured of the latter, so I look forward to playing against him.”
Smith is Mel Kiper’s fourth-best prospect in the 2021 NFL draft and his No. 1-ranked receiver.
Sarkisian, who will become the next head coach of the Texas Longhorns after Monday’s title game, said he is “clearly excited about the opportunity” that awaits him in Austin. However, he asked on Wednesday that all questions pertained to his remaining duties at the Crimson Tide.
Sarkisian, who was previously the head coach at Washington (2009 to 2013) and USC (2014 to 2015), has been Alabama’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons.
“The dedication I made to Coach Saban two years ago is the same dedication I made to these players, and it is focused on this game,” said Sarkisian. “Giving this game the attention it deserves so that our players have a chance to go out and play the best they can.”
Sarkisian said he tries to keep this week as normal as possible.
“Any spare time I have draws my attention to the Texas job, be it staffing or recruiting, things like that,” he said.
Sarkisian said Alabama receiver and return specialist Jaylen Waddle, who went down with an ankle injury against Tennessee in mid-October and has not appeared in a game since, who practiced Tuesday. Sarkisian would not provide further updates.
“We’ll see where it comes from,” Sarkisian said.
Prior to his injury, Waddle caught 25 passes and four touchdowns. As a return specialist, he has averaged 19.3 yards on punt returns over his three seasons.
Smith said Waddle looked good in practice, but he only gave a brief answer when asked if he thought his teammate could play.
“No comment,” said Smith.