With Richards only playing in seven games in 2017, senior
led Miami with 55 receptions for 679 yards and nine TDs. Its difficult to conceive now, but Miami signed their own WR in the Class of 2017 who was rated higher than Smith.
Jeff Thomas was 40th ranked player and fifth-ranked WR in 2017. Thomas outperformed Smith in their freshmen seasons with 17 receptions for 374 yards and two TDs.
Thomas had more receptions for more yards and a higher average per catch in their freshman seasons. Smith was the 62nd ranked player and ninth-ranked WR in 2017.
Smith took a huge leap forward in 2018. As a sophomore, Smith had 42 receptions for 693 yards and six TDs as Alabama lost in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game to Clemson.
Thomas had 35 receptions for 563 yards and three TDs in 2018. After his numbers went down in 2019 and off the field problems, Thomas entered the NFL Draft.
Smith stayed for his senior season in 2020 and became the best player in College Football. Without Smith and his 117 receptions for 1,856 yards and 23 TDs and 11 punt returns for 237 yards and another TD, Nick Saban would not have won his seventh national championship and Alabama its 18th.