Alabama WR Changed Number to Follow in Footsteps of DeVonta Smith
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — When glancing out on the field at Bryant-Denny Stadium during Alabama's first two games, seeing a speedy receiver wearing No. 6 might give Crimson Tide fans a flashback to the program's first Heisman-winning receiver.
There is in fact a DeVonta Smith on Alabama's roster this season, but he wears No. 8 and is a defensive back. Sophomore receiver Kobe Prentice, the Crimson Tide's leading receiver in the loss against Texas, switched his number from 80 to 6 over the offseason, and Smith was the main reason why.
"I grew up an Alabama fan, so watching DeVonta Smith play receiver here, I kind of always aspired to walk in his footsteps," Prentice said Tuesday.
Prentice has not had a chance to speak with Smith since switching numbers, but has showed flashes of the Alabama legend's potential this season with eight catches for 88 yards in the first two games.
The two have a similar build as smaller-statured receivers. Prentice is listed at 5-10, 182 pounds on the roster. While at Alabama, Smith was listed at 6-1, 175 pounds, but now in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, he is 6-0, 175 on the team's roster. Despite the smaller size, Prentice was not afraid to take hits from the Longhorn defense.
"It's kind of like what Nick Saban preaches to us all week," Prentice said. "Just having the kind of mental toughness and effort to be able to go out there and perform at a high level."
Prentice was one of the few players to start as a freshman for Alabama last season. He said that experience has helped him feel more comfortable this season. He was the only offensive player to be recognized by the coaching staff for his performance against Texas.
Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry said he has been working with Prentice and Isaiah Bond since they were freshmen, helping them to improve as players because he sees their talent and potential.
"Guys like Kobe work very hard," McKinstry said. "Ask me questions about, ‘How did you guard that route? What could I have done better?’ Guys who even care enough to know or care enough to ask a question about what he did wrong on his route and asking a DB, that’s very ahead.”
While Prentice has yet to record a touchdown this season, he does lead the team in receptions and factors to be a major role in the Alabama offense moving forward.
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