Could the Miami football program have flipped 2020 Heisman Trophy winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith of Alabama who once committed to Georgia when Mark Richt was the head coach? Richt returned to his alma mater following his dismissal by the Bulldogs after the 2015 season to lead the Hurricanes from 2016-18.
Smith committed to Georgia and Richt on August 10, 2015. Richt was fired by the Bulldogs on November 29, 2015, one day after the Bulldogs defeated archrival Georgia Tech 13- 7 to finish the regular season 9-3. Smith visited Alabama twice before de-committing from Georgia on January 14, 2016.
Smith attended Junior Day at Alabama on February 27, 2016. Four days later on March 2, 2016, Smith received an offer from the Miami football program and Richt. Miami finished the 2015 season 8-5 under Al Golden who was fired after a 58-0 loss to Clemson with the Hurricanes 4-3. Tight ends coach Larry Scott succeeded Golden.
Scott led Miami to a 4-2 record and 2014 loss to Washington State in the Sun Bowl. Quarterback Brad Kaaya had just finished his sophomore season on what would become a record-setting career at Miami. Kaaya became the all-time leading passer and had his best season under Richt as a junior in 2016.
Former #UGA WR commit Devonta Smith (@Smityyy03) picks up an offer from Mark Richt, #TheU
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) March 2, 2016
Miami had its own superstar WR that fall. Freshman Ahmmon Richards appeared to be on his way to being a high NFL Draft pick before a spinal injury ended his football career after just one reception for nine yards during his junior season in 2018. Smith stayed uncommitted for over a year.