4-star EDGE Jared Smith commits to Auburn: 'I see where the program is going and I want to be a part of it'

Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson EDGE Jared Smith took a strong look at schools like Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss, South Carolina and USC, but the four-star decided to stay home and commit to Auburn.

The local program was not talked about as much as some of the others on his list leading into summer visits, but the No. 42 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking always had the Tigers high on his list.

“Staying in state with Auburn has always been a real option for me,” Smith told On3. “Auburn has always been in the picture for me, but the closer I got to my senior year is really when I started thinking more about staying in my home state. This summer, I started feeling like I wanted to stay home, and now I am with Auburn.”

What did it come down to for Smith?

“I chose Auburn because I get to stay home, because of the culture and I see the vision coach Hugh Freeze has. I see where the program is going and I want to be a part of it.

“It was a tough decision, and I had six great options, but Auburn took over the No. 1 spot at the wire.”

Playing in the Iron Bowl excites Smith

Staying home means a lot to Smith. He was at Auburn for another iconic Iron Bowl last season and now he gets to play in that game.

“Playing in the Iron Bowl is going to be crazy,” Smith said. “When I was at the game last year, I really started to think I could see myself at Auburn.

“Auburn has the best fans, the stadium is so loud, and staying home, I get to be a part of that game. That game is live, it has crazy energy and getting to play in that is big.”

Freeze and the staff is working hard to keep the top in-state talent home. He wants the best of the best in Alabama to be Auburn Tigers and Smith has added his name to the list.

“It is a dream to stay home. Every guy would love to pick that home team, represent your state and get the love from the fans in your state. I am one of those guys now.”

The Auburn staff checks all the boxes for Smith

As soon as DJ Durkin got to Auburn, he “turned it up” a notch with Smith. He brought a new energy and made sure the No. 2 prospect in the state new he was wanted.

“Oh yeah, when coach Durkin started recruiting me at Auburn, it was different, Smith said. “He changed things quickly with me. He made sure I knew I was a priority. He coached some great defensive linemen at Texas A&M and he came in saying that I am next.”

What Durkin added to who Josh Aldridge is was a great combination.

“Coach Durkin and coach Aldridge had a big impact on my commitment. With coach Aldridge, it is more than ball. I love his personality and who he is. I got to know him and he is a great guy.”

Then you add Freeze to the equation and the Auburn staff had everything Smith was looking for.

“Coach Freeze is bringing Auburn back. He is going to get the in-state kids to stay home, he is building a top recruiting class and I see his vision. He is taking Auburn to another level with the in-state kids.

“Coach Freeze is a natural-born leader and Auburn is coming back.”