DeVonta Smith: A Rising Star in Philadelphia
DeVonta Smith, the standout wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, is making waves once again as he heads into another promising season. Fresh off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Smith is not resting on his laurels. Observers at the Eagles' training camp have been impressed with his consistency and commitment to excellence. Smith has been nothing short of spectacular, showing impeccable form and reliability in seven practices thus far.
Mastering His Craft
Under the guidance of his position coach, Aaron Moorhead, Smith's game continues to evolve. Moorhead has witnessed Smith's remarkable growth firsthand. "He's had as good of a camp that he's had probably since I've been here with him," Moorhead remarked. "His confidence is through the roof, and he's continuing just to master his craft."
Smith's confidence and poise have been evident throughout training camp, and it's the smaller aspects of his game that he is focusing on. "Making sure I'm doing my job. 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," Smith explained. "I was open. So just going out there and making sure I'm putting the right things on tape."
Improving Football IQ and Situational Awareness
Smith is not just relying on his natural talent. He is determined to improve his football IQ and situational awareness. "You always want to improve your football IQ. That's something you can always grow on," he said. "There might be situations we have this year that we didn't run into last year. So situational football and football IQ."
This drive for perfection is perhaps what sets Smith apart. Even as he reviews his performances, he's focused on refining his techniques. "There are plays I think every year he's been here he's left on the field for certain things," Moorhead pointed out. "Just maybe a technique here, a technique there, and things that would've been big plays for us in games. He knows that."
Setting High Standards
Smith's commitment to maintaining high standards is evident in his attitude towards routine plays. Moorhead appreciates this aspect of Smith's game, saying, "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."
Smith has already set records in his brief career, with 240 receptions and 3,178 receiving yards in his first three seasons, the most in the Eagles' history. Yet, he remains humble and hungry for more. "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," Smith said.
High Expectations for the Future
The organization has clearly recognized Smith's value, rewarding him with a contract extension worth $25 million per year. This investment speaks volumes about their confidence in his ability to continue delivering top-tier performances.
Moorhead, who has worked closely with Smith, acknowledges the talent he has at his disposal. "I have great receivers," he stated simply, and Smith is indeed a cornerstone of this group. With every practice, Smith is demonstrating that he is prepared to meet the high expectations placed upon him.
Smith’s commitment is not solely about personal accolades but about contributing to the team's success. He aims to be reliable, to be open, and to execute his role even when he isn't the primary target. This dedication bodes well for the Eagles as they prepare for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, DeVonta Smith continues to be a beacon of hard work, skill, and potential for the Philadelphia Eagles. His journey is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence, and as he continues to grow, the sky's the limit for this talented wide receiver.