DeVonta Smith 2.0? NFL Exec Sees Star In Longhorns WR Xavier Worthy
Steve Sarkisian helped a wide receiver become the first pass-catcher to win the Heisman Trophy since Desmond Howard in 1991 during his time as Alabama's offensive coordinator. Could the Texas coach have a clone in Austin?
According to former NFL GM Rick Spielman, scouts can see "comparable" traits of rising junior Xavier Worthy to that of Philadelphia Eagles receiver DeVonta Smith. Smith won the Heisman in his final year at Alabama while helping the Crimson Tide finish with the No. 1 scoring offense en route to a national championship.
Wothy's comparisons to Smith have come well before the latest evaluations. Both receivers are known for their slim frames but impeccable hands. Worthy, who stands 6-1 and weighs 171 pounds, might be considered more physical when working upfield in run-blocking sets.
Smith, who stands at 6 feet and weighs 170 pounds, has been regarded as one of the top route-runners in the NFL entering his third season. Last year with the addition of AJ Brown, Smith posted his first 1,000-yard campaign while helping Philadelphia clinch the NFC title for the first time since 2018.
When Sarkisian touched down in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for Round 2, he focused heavily on building a consistent passing game. After Tua Tagoviloa left for the pros, the Tide relied most on consistency through the air rather than deep shots down the sidelines.
Smith, who started the year as the No. 2 receiver behind Jaylen Waddle, saw record-setting numbers once the latter suffered a season-ending ankle injury against Tennessee. In his final eight games, Smith posted seven 100-plus yard performances and recorded double-digit touchdowns per outing in seven contests.
Worthy won Big 12 Newcomer of the Year after breaking Roy Williams' freshman touchdown record in 2021. Last season was a bit of a regressive year after failing to find a consistent rapport with starting quarterback Quinn Ewers. Worthy also dealt and played with a hand injury through the end of the season, thus playing a factor in his stats.
“He’s a really electrifying player, a really dominant player,” fellow receiver Jordan Whittington said of Worthy during Big 12 Media Days earlier this month. “He’s stepped up more in leadership, and it’s going to be a really good for him.”
When at his peak, Worthy has the potential to be one of college football's most dynamic players. He posted four 100-yard games as a freshman and averaged nearly 16 yards per reception. He finished with nine touchdowns between Weeks 4-10, including posting three double-digit scoring outings.
The Worthy buzz isn't slowing down. It shouldn't, either. Texas, the preseason favorite to win the conference, is banking on the duo of Austin to lead the way for a trip back to Arlington. With that comes potential buzz around the NFL draft.
Spielman believes Worthy has the talent to be a first-round receiver come next April alongside names like Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Florida State's Johnny Wilson.
Next year is ways away, however. Worthy said during the Longhorns' stay in Arlington that he's focused on the present to help make his future brighter.
“I feel like we go in every day with something to prove,” Worthy said. “We left a lot on the table last year, and we have a chip on our shoulder to go prove everybody wrong.”
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