Moorehead On Brown, DeVonta Smith

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Post on Feb 10, 2025

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Moorehead on Brown, DeVonta Smith: A Deep Dive into Alabama's Offensive Mastermind

Introduction:

The success of Alabama's football program under Nick Saban is undeniable, and a significant part of that success rests on the shoulders of its offensive coordinators. One name that consistently pops up in discussions of Alabama's offensive prowess is Steve Sarkisian's successor, Bill O'Brien, and his predecessor, Lane Kiffin. But before them, there was another key figure shaping the Crimson Tide's offensive identity: Mike Locksley. This article delves into the impact of Mike Locksley's offensive schemes and his contributions to the development of NFL stars like Najee Harris, Najee Harris, and most significantly, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle.

Mike Locksley's Offensive Philosophy and its Impact on DeVonta Smith

Mike Locksley's offensive approach heavily emphasized tempo and utilizing the skill sets of his players. He was known for tailoring his play-calling to exploit mismatches, creating favorable matchups for his talented receivers. This system proved incredibly effective in showcasing DeVonta Smith's exceptional abilities.

Smith's Skillset and Locksley's Scheme: A Perfect Match

DeVonta Smith possessed a unique blend of speed, agility, and route-running precision. Locksley’s offensive scheme capitalized on these strengths by designing plays that allowed Smith to get open consistently. This included:

• Quick slants and outs: These routes leveraged Smith’s speed and ability to accelerate quickly off the line.
• Deep posts and corner routes: These routes showcased Smith's exceptional ability to track the ball over his shoulder.
• Screen passes: These utilized Smith's agility and elusiveness after the catch.

Locksley's trust in Smith was evident in the number of targets he received. The offensive coordinator frequently called plays designed specifically to get the ball into Smith's hands. This fostered a strong rapport between the coach and player, leading to Smith's explosive growth and development.

The Development of DeVonta Smith Under Locksley

Beyond simply designing plays, Locksley played a crucial role in developing Smith's overall game. His coaching provided invaluable insights into reading defenses and adjusting routes based on defensive alignments. This coaching translated into:

• Improved route running: Smith’s route running became increasingly precise under Locksley’s tutelage.
• Enhanced ball skills: Locksley’s emphasis on practice and film study helped improve Smith’s ability to catch difficult passes.
• Leadership development: As Smith’s role increased, Locksley likely played a part in his development as a team leader.

The combination of a talented receiver and a coach willing to create opportunities resulted in a Heisman Trophy-winning season for DeVonta Smith.

Beyond Smith: The Broader Impact of Locksley's System

While DeVonta Smith is a prime example of Locksley's impact, the offensive system's success went beyond one player. Other receivers, such as Jaylen Waddle, also flourished under Locksley's guidance. The success of these players is a testament to Locksley's ability to create a system that maximized the potential of its athletes.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Offensive Excellence

Mike Locksley's tenure as Alabama's offensive coordinator left an undeniable mark on the program and on the careers of players like DeVonta Smith. His focus on utilizing player strengths, designing creative plays, and fostering strong relationships created a winning combination. The legacy of his offensive schemes continues to influence Alabama's success to this day. His impact on developing elite NFL talent is a testament to his coaching acumen and strategic brilliance. The Heisman Trophy win for DeVonta Smith serves as a powerful symbol of this success. Analyzing his coaching approach provides valuable insights into the development of successful college football programs.