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The greatest player in Alabama Football history (according to ChatGPT)

Posted on 8/23/24 at 1:45 pm
Posted by RollTide1987
Augusta, GA
Member since Nov 2009
69747 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 1:45 pm
So I did a thing, downloaded the 2024 Media Guide, and then uploaded it to ChatGPT. After doing that...I asked it the following question:

quote:

Based on all the statistical data in the document, who would you pick as the greatest player in Alabama history?


Its answer?

Drum roll please......


quote:

Choosing the greatest player in Alabama history is a challenging task given the program's rich tradition of producing exceptional talent. However, based on statistical data, achievements, and impact, DeVonta Smith stands out as a strong candidate for this honor.

Reasons for Choosing DeVonta Smith:

1. Record-Breaking Career: Smith is Alabama's all-time leading receiver with 3,965 receiving yards, which is a remarkable feat considering the depth of talent that has passed through the program.

2. Heisman Trophy Winner: In 2020, Smith became the first wide receiver since 1991 to win the Heisman Trophy. His season was one of the best in college football history, where he led the nation in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

3. National Championships: Smith played a crucial role in Alabama's national championships in 2017 and 2020. His performance in the 2020 season was particularly memorable, as he was a key factor in leading Alabama to an undefeated season.

4. Consistency and Clutch Performances: Smith was known for his clutch performances in big games, including catching the game-winning touchdown in overtime in the 2017 National Championship Game against Georgia as a freshman.

5. Awards and Honors: Besides the Heisman, Smith won several other prestigious awards in 2020, including the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award, the Biletnikoff Award, and the AP College Football Player of the Year. He was also a unanimous All-American.

Legacy

DeVonta Smith's legacy at Alabama is not just about his records and awards but also about his impact on the program and the standard he set for future players. His combination of skill, work ethic, and ability to perform in crucial moments makes him one of the most iconic figures in Alabama football history.

While many players could vie for the title of Alabama's greatest, DeVonta Smith's achievements and the historical significance of his career make him a compelling choice for the greatest player in Alabama history.


I'm sure if I asked it the same question again it would shoot out a different answer. However, since this was the first answer it gave me, let's all give a warm round of applause to DeVonta Smith, ChatGPT's pick for the greatest player in Alabama Football History!

Posted by dominantD
Member since Sep 2017
311 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 2:09 pm to
Based strictly on most decorated, probably Barrett Jones.

Based on outright dominance, hands-down it is Derrick Thomas. Possibly the quickest first step in the history of edge rushers.

Other candidates:
-John Hannah
-Tua
-Bryce Young (He probably would have won two NCs had he had a better, healthier supporting cast during his tenure as starting QB).
This post was edited on 8/23/24 at 2:10 pm
Posted by imjustafatkid
Alabama
Member since Dec 2011
62677 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 2:12 pm to
I don't necessarily dislike the pick, but I have to think this would heavily favor players who played for the Tide after the internet became prevalent. Just way more data available and I have to feel like that would have an influence on AI algorithms.
This post was edited on 8/24/24 at 12:14 am
Posted by dominantD
Member since Sep 2017
311 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 2:28 pm to
Something I've considered in the past is, what college football team of all-stars would you choose to play a playoff for an all-time championship? My answer would be USC. They haven't had a great team in over a decade, but when you look at all-time great players in college + NFL, they almost seem to be dominant across the board. But especially at RB, OL and DB. The amount of epic talent they have had is absurd.
This post was edited on 8/23/24 at 2:29 pm
Posted by Glorious
Mobile
Member since Aug 2014
26136 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 2:36 pm to
Pretty solid reasoning all around. You could even throw in how he was a perfect culture guy under Saban
Posted by Bama Bird
Pittsburgh, PA
Member since Mar 2013
22668 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 4:25 pm to
quote:

omething I've considered in the past is, what college football team of all-stars would you choose to play a playoff for an all-time championship?


Miami
Posted by Vulcan Materials
Member since May 2022
1357 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 6:12 pm to
Either Thomas or Smith. Smith is so tiny it’s amazing he was beating dudes twice his size in the 2nd and 3rd level without much trouble either and making amazing catches over 6’ 1” and 6’ 2” guys.

The nickname “Skinny Batman” is probably the best thing I’ve ever heard too
Posted by DeBoersTheMan
Member since Jan 2024
1106 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 9:01 pm to
The Golden Gazelle
Posted by RollTide33
Member since Sep 2019
4293 posts
Posted on 8/23/24 at 10:31 pm to
quote:

making amazing catches over 6’ 1” and 6’ 2” guys.


I mean Smitty is 6'. It's not like he's short. He's just super skinny. Slim Reaper just puts dudes on skates.
Posted by BlackPawnMartyr
Houston, TX
Member since Dec 2010
16165 posts
Posted on 8/24/24 at 6:44 am to
I for one will not argue with, and welcome, our new AI overlords.
Posted by bamarep
Member since Nov 2013
52354 posts
Posted on 8/24/24 at 8:31 am to
Not dissing Smith but Derrick Thomas forever changed the game of football.
Posted by OldPete
Georgia
Member since Oct 2013
2888 posts
Posted on 8/24/24 at 9:28 am to
Hard to pick one as the all-time greatest as, at least under Bear, Stallings, and Saban, the team was more highly stressed than the individual. But I’d think the following would all have a fair argument:

Don Hutson
John Hannah
Cornelius Bennett
Derrick Thomas
Barrett Jones
Minkah Fitzpatrick
Devonta Smith


Posted by BasedCrimson
Member since Jun 2024
1019 posts
Posted on 8/24/24 at 4:31 pm to
If you just consider college career, Devonta is a strong candidate.

I feel like you almost have to look at our Heisman winners for the greatest ever.

If you count pro career, that's a different conversation.

I'd have to go with Mark Ingram. He was such an important player in terms of starting the Saban dynasty. He was a great locker room guy. He played with so much passion and emotion.
He continues to be a die-hard Alabama fan and continues to have a positive impact on the program.

No one bleeds crimson more than Mark Ingram. And he was a beast in college. I'll never forget that South Carolina game where we just lined up in wildcat every play and gave it to Ingram in order to win the game. He was the only guy they couldn't stop.
Posted by Vulcan Materials
Member since May 2022
1357 posts
Posted on 8/24/24 at 4:49 pm to
quote:

If you count pro career, that's a different conversation.



Even Smith’s pro career is turning out pretty good. He has 2 straight 1000 yard seasons despite being the #2 WR. He’s a dawg as a pro.
Posted by Chad4Bama
Member since Sep 2020
8666 posts
Posted on 8/24/24 at 8:55 pm to
Hutson
Hannah
Thomas
B Jones
Smith

Was surprised Barrett Jones fizzled in the NFL. It kinda hurts his overall perception, but not many have ever had his college resume.

It's tough to even do a 2 deep All Bama team.
This post was edited on 8/24/24 at 8:57 pm
Posted by stewieie
Florida
Member since Feb 2020
251 posts
Posted on 8/25/24 at 12:41 am to
Smith in addition to being a great football player is a work of art. He is an artist.
Posted by PrettyLights
Member since Oct 2014
1376 posts
Posted on 8/25/24 at 6:03 am to
King Derrick Henry

Posted by RollTide1987
Augusta, GA
Member since Nov 2009
69747 posts
Posted on 8/25/24 at 10:38 am to
quote:

He has 2 straight 1000 yard seasons despite being the #2 WR. He’s a dawg as a pro.


And he came fewer than 100 yards shy of a 1000 yard season in his rookie year as well. He has definitely proven himself worthy.
This post was edited on 8/25/24 at 10:40 am
Posted by RiverCityTider
Jacksonville, Florida
Member since Oct 2008
6595 posts
Posted on 8/27/24 at 9:33 am to
Hannah. Because the is considered the greatest lineman and certainly the greatest guard in the history of the game... at any level.

Posted by 1BamaRTR
In Your Head Blvd
Member since Apr 2015
24484 posts
Posted on 8/27/24 at 9:43 am to
quote:

If you count pro career, that's a different conversation.

I'd have to go with Mark Ingram.

Ingram had a good pro career, but if you're really looking at that then it's either Hutson or Hannah. Hannah still can be regarded as the greatest OG of all time at either level. Besides just accolades and records which by themselves are very impressive, Hutson's impact was on the sport itself. He was the first modern WR. He created a lot of the routes receivers run today. He help alter the sport which is why he's still regarded as one of the greatest players of all time regardless of team
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