Eagles WR DeVonta Smith discloses how he quashed social norms despite weighing a mere 120 pounds in high school

Smith was 120 pounds during his high school freshman year and 150 during college.

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith discloses how he quashed social norms despite weighing a mere 120 pounds in high school

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (Image via YouTube)

DeVonta Smith has been lighting up the NFL since entering in 2021 as the 10th overall pick. It’s baffling to imagine that the football world would have missed out on the opportunity to witness his fast pace, turns, and sidesteps if he were deemed underweight.

Before becoming a household name in Philadelphia, Smith appeared on an episode of the second season of Shannon Sharpe‘s Club Shay Shay podcast a couple of years ago. Sharpe asked the Amite City native if he had ever faced any problems relating to his weight.

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You weighed 120 pounds as a freshman [in high school]? You didn't gain a lot of weight. I am guessing you did not get to your friends house and eat a lot, did you?
Shannon Sharpe asked Smith

Shortly after, Smith revealed he had to add around 20–25 pounds to his body so that he could be eligible to play college football. His heart was set on LSU being from Louisiana, but a meeting with Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban influenced his decision to move to Tuscaloosa.

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DeVonta Smith advised football players not to get discouraged for being underweight

The NFL is a cutthroat sports business. It’s not easy to get in because of the strict criteria set by the commission. According to NCAA reports, over 73,712 guys are currently playing ball at the college level. Only 1/5, which is approximately around 16,380 players, try their luck in the draft each year. And from them, only 224 get the chance to be part of a franchise.

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith discloses how he quashed social norms despite weighing a mere 120 pounds in high school
DeVota Smith (Image via Bleacher Report)

However, there’s still no guarantee whether or not they will make it in. There’s still the possibility of not making the 53-man roster during the final cut. Then begins the journey of proving the worth of being part of the squad and performing week after week.

For wide receivers, usually, two things are very important: above-average height and speed. Usually, an elite playmaker can cover 40 yards within 4:50 seconds. DeVonta Smith clocked that in the high 4.4 range during the NFL combine. His being light on his feet helped.

But that wasn’t the main reason the Eagles chose to stick him beside A.J. Brown Smith’s 235 receptions for 3965 receiving yards and 46 touchdowns in three years in Alabama pushed the case for him. The 25-year-old has a message for those like him who aspire to play in the NFL.

To all the young kids out there that aren't the biggest, that aren't the strongest, just keep pushing. Because I'm not the biggest, I've been doubted a lot just because of my size. No job is too big if you put your mind to it.
DeVonta Smith

Since entering the league, he has caught the ball 201 times for 2,645 receiving yards and recorded 16 touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles. He is on course to reach the 1,000-yard mark in 2023.

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