4-star DL Darron Reed flips to Auburn from LSU: 'I just feel part of the family'

Columbus (Ga.) Carver four-star defensive lineman Darron Reed committed to LSU on July 4. Yet Auburn never exited the picture.

Reed felt a connection to the Tigers, their coaching staff and the fanbase. He visited The Plains multiple times this fall, including on Oct. 1 for LSU’s 21-17 win over Auburn. The “loud” and “awesome” environment was one of many factors in Reed’s decision to flip from LSU to Auburn on Friday.

“I just feel part of the family,” Reed told On3. “Everybody down there was real. They hold up to what they tell you they’re going to do.”

The 6-foot-3.5, 282-pound prospect decided to become a member of Auburn’s 2023 recruiting class last week. He spoke with coaches and his family before deciding to take his talents to the SEC West program.

Throughout his recruitment, Reed has grown close with multiple members of the Auburn program. Those individuals include interim head coach Cadillac Williams and defensive coordinator Jeff Schmedding.

“I wouldn’t say it was tough, but it was one that was on my mind,” Reed, the No. 40 overall prospect and No. 6 defensive lineman in the 2023 On300, said about his decision. “It was, ‘What’s the best for me?'”

Reed confident in Auburn’s coaching search, loves Tigers’ fan base

A victory over Alabama this weekend would give the Tigers six wins and bowl eligibility under Williams, who took over for Bryan Harsin in late October. Reed can sense that Williams has already made a positive impact in his short time leading the program.

“I love the energy that coach Cadillac brings when he’s out there,” Reed said.

Right now, the Georgia native is “100%” locked in with Auburn. That will not change, no matter who ends up being the head coach of the Tigers.

“It’s gonna be strong and positive, regardless of who they bring in,” Reed said.

Before revealing his flip, the four-star quietly returned to Auburn this week for an unofficial visit. He is currently the second-highest-rated prospect in the Tigers’ class behind Montgomery (Ala.) Montgomery Catholic Preparatory four-star running back Jeremiah Cobb.

One thing Reed is looking forward to is playing in front of passionate fans at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The venue seats over 87,000 people.

“That’s what I fell in love with, especially that Texas A&M game,” Reed said of Auburn’s fanbase. “I wasn’t able to make it because I had a game that day, but coach Cadillac was telling me about it and everything and how he brought everybody out to the fans. They were a big impact on that game.”