Heisman Trophy: Where every winner since 2000 played high school football

Alums from Texas lead the elite group over the last two decades, but likely 2020 winner hails from a state not called on since 1959.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Mitch Stephens

By Mitch Stephens

Jan 5, 2021, 4:00pm

Senior highlights of Amite's (LA) 4-star wide receiver Devonta Smith.

Devonta Smith Ultimate Highlights 4,126 views 3:51

It's been 61 years since a player from Louisiana won the Heisman Trophy, college football's most coveted individual award. But the odds are on Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith of Amite (La.) to land the 2020 award, which will be announced Tuesday evening.

Alabama quarterback Mac Jones of Bolles (Jacksonville, Fla.), Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence of Cartersville (Ga.) and Florida quarterback Kyle Trask of Manvel (Texas) are the other finalists.

The last Louisiana high school product to win the award was Billy Cannon in 1959. A halfback, fullback and tight end, Cannon attended Istrouma (Baton Rouge) before starring at LSU and the NFL.

Another LSU graduate won the Heisman last year, quarterback Joe Burrow, but he's a native of Ohio who starred at Athens (The Plains).

Smith was ranked the No. 62 overall recruit in the Class of 2017 by 247Sports and the No. 9 receiver. He led Amite (12-3) to the state finals his senior season but lost to Lutcher 40-36. Smith did his part with 111 receiving yards and a 93-yard kickoff return for touchdown.

Of the previous 20 Heisman winners, four have come from Texas and three each from Florida and California. Lawrence would be the second native Georgian to win it, joining Cam Newton (2010).