DeVonta Smith Named Roy F. Kramer Male Athlete of the Year
Former Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver and 2020 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith has been named the recipient of the 2020-21 Roy F. Kramer SEC Male Athlete of the Year. Smith won the award by way of a vote of the league's athletic directors. The award has been given out since 1976 for men and 1984 for women and is the most prestigious athletic award given out by the Southeastern Conference.
"We are proud to honor DeVonta and Madison, who not only excelled in the SEC but were also recognized as the best in their sport across the country. They are the ultimate examples of what it means to be a student-athlete in the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “DeVonta and Madison both were members of national championship teams and recipients of their sport’s national player of the year award. Each has competed at the highest level of collegiate athletics, benefitted from the world-class support provided by their universities and, through their hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence, have reached the pinnacle of collegiate athletic success. Congratulations to DeVonta and Madison and thank you for being part of the SEC!”
Smith was joined by Kentucky volleyball senior Madison Lilley as the female winner. The Wildcats won the 2021 volleyball national championship.
Smith won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the AP National Player of the Year award, Walter Camp and The Sporting News Player of the Year award as well as the Biletnikoff Award and the Paul Hornung Award. Smith also was a unanimous First Team All-American and SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
He leaves the Capstone as the career leader in receptions (235), receiving yards (3,965) and touchdowns (46). Smith is the fourth Alabama football player to win the prestigious award, he follows Mark Ingram, Derrick Thomas and Cornelius Bennett.
The athlete of the year award was renamed to honor Roy F. Kramer in 2004. Kramer served the conference as commissioner from 1990-2002.