DeVonta Smith entered Monday's National Championship Game with a ton of pressure on his shoulders. The Heisman Trophy winner was expected to lead the Alamaba Crimson Tide in a tough matchup against an undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes side.
Smith stepped up his game when it mattered most and put up a performance for the ages when the lights were the brightest. In the first half alone, the 22-year-old wide receiver was already able to set a couple of title game records following what was a truly epic showing in the first two periods (h/t ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter):
Smith's tremendous play allowed Alabama to mount a 35-17 lead over Ohio State at the break. Needless to say, the Crimson Tide star was unfazed by the high-pressure setting of the National Championship Game.
Smith's noteworthy display caught the eye of more than a few spectators of the nationally-televised title game. Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James was one of the more prominent personalities who threw praise towards Smith's direction, comparing the youngster to a couple of Indianapolis Colts legends. Similarly, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams also complimented Smith on Twitter.
It is worth noting, however, that DeVonta Smith was forced to exit the field early in the second half. The Alabama stud suffered what appeared to be a hand injury in the Crimson Tide's opening drive in the third period. Initial reports are stating that Smith sustained a dislocated finger — a rather unpleasant development in what has been an epic evening for him.