BREAKING: Auburn flips 4-star ATH, 7th-ranked in-state prospect away from Alabama
Hugh Freeze and the Auburn Tigers have flipped another blue-chip recruit from Alabama following their annual “Big Cat Weekend” recruiting event.
On Monday, four-star athlete Derick Smith announced his commitment to Auburn, joining 4-star defensive lineman Antonio Coleman in flipping from Alabama. Smith, the No. 2 athlete in the nation and the No. 7 recruit in Alabama for 2025, had initially committed to the Crimson Tide in March.
However, Auburn remained persistent in their pursuit of Smith, who visited The Plains in early June and returned for Big Cat Weekend this past weekend.
According to 247Sports’ director of scouting, Andrew Ivins, Smith is a versatile player who primarily played wide receiver and safety for Selma’s Southside High School last fall. He also spent time at quarterback and linebacker, earning Player of the Year honors from the Selma Times-Journal and second-team junior All-American recognition from MaxPreps.
WDE !🦅 pic.twitter.com/XksBG3jgx3
— Derick Smith (@BEENONE_1) July 29, 2024
During his junior season at Southside, Smith recorded 46 receptions for 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns, along with 1,036 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Defensively, he tallied 74 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and three fumble recoveries.
With Smith’s commitment, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class now includes 20 players and is ranked No. 7 in the nation by 247Sports.