DeVonta Smith: Mastering His Craft and Striving for More
DeVonta Smith, the Philadelphia Eagles' dynamic wide receiver, is making waves yet again. With back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, Smith is proving to be an indispensable asset for the Eagles. His consistent performance, particularly during the recent training camp, has caught the eyes of many, especially his position coach, Aaron Moorhead.
Moorhead, who has watched Smith evolve over the years, sees a player brimming with confidence and dedication. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him. His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft,” Moorhead remarked. This high praise speaks volumes about Smith's growth and the high standards he continues to set for himself.
Smith's commitment to improvement is unwavering. He desires to enhance his football IQ and situational awareness, recognizing that there's always room for growth. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on. There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ," Smith explained. This mindset not only benefits himself but also the team, as a smarter player can make more impactful plays in crucial moments.
Since joining the Eagles, Smith has amassed a record-breaking 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons—figures that speak to his stellar performance and consistency. Despite these accolades, Smith remains humble and focused on the basics. "If I'm open and the ball doesn't come to me, for me, that's a plus because at the end of the day I still did my job. I was open. So just going out there and making sure I'm putting the right things on tape," Smith noted.
Moorhead appreciates this level-headed approach, highlighting that even small technical adjustments can lead to big plays. "There are plays I think every year he's been here he's left on the field for certain things, and just maybe a technique here, a technique there, and things that would've been big plays for us in games. He knows that," Moorhead said, underscoring the importance of mastering routine plays.
Smith's attention to detail and commitment to excellence haven't gone unnoticed. Moorhead shared, "Just doing the routine things. The plays that I left on the field, there were routine things that I wasn't doing. Making sure that I'm constantly doing the routine things so that I'm capitalizing on every play." This meticulous approach to every aspect of the game is a key reason why Smith has been such a consistent performer.
Notably, Smith's hard work and dedication have paid off financially as well. He recently signed a contract extension worth $25 million per year, a testament to his value to the Eagles and his potential for future success. Despite this financial reward, Smith's primary focus remains on improving his game. "There's always room for improvement. Every year, you're gonna find something new that you're going to want to put in the toolbox," he stated, showcasing his relentless drive to be better.
With the support of Moorhead and his unwavering dedication, DeVonta Smith is poised to continue his upward trajectory. His journey is a testament to the importance of hard work, attention to detail, and a never-ending quest for improvement.