4-star OT Carde Smith commits to Auburn: 'They've made me feel at home'

Mobile (Ala.) Williamson four-star offensive tackle Carde Smith grew up an Alabama fan. As his college recruitment picked up, Auburn began to emerge as a real contender.

The idea of playing for the Tigers would’ve seemed outlandish to Smith when he was younger, but on Wednesday he announced his commitment to Hugh Freeze and his staff, trading in the red and white for orange and blue.

Mississippi State pushed hard for the 6-foot-6, 300-pounder, but a few key factors put the in-state school over the top.

“It’s very family-oriented, it’s close to home, I’ve got a real good connection with the coaches and they’ve just made me feel like I’m at home,” Smith told On3.

Staying in Alabama played a major role in the end for Smith. Auburn had the in-state momentum and made Smith feel like a priority on The Plains.

“They’re not going to sugarcoat it, you come to Auburn, you’re going to work,” Smith said. “You’re right around the corner from home, you’re not too far.”

Relationships with coaches helped Auburn land Smith

Throughout Auburn’s charge for Smith, he said Freeze and offensive line coach Jake Thornton were both “very invested.” He was offered by the Tigers at a camp last year and has continued to feel the love since.

“How he doesn’t just teach football, he’s teaching you how to become a man,” Smith said of Freeze.

Thornton, in particular, really turned up the heat in Smith’s recruitment at the end of 2023.

“He’s been recruiting me since December very hard. They’re telling me how I fit in, how I’ll be saying War Eagle, attending Auburn University and that’s Auburn is home, basically,” he said.

“His style of play is very physical, just like myself. He likes to teach technique, he wants your technique to be perfect, same thing I want time. The way he coaches for his players.”

‘The goal is to win a National Championship’

Despite growing up a fan of the Crimson Tide, Smith is actually excited to head to The Plains instead of Tuscaloosa. Auburn made him a priority and in-turn received his pledge. The blue-chipper is already looking forward to the Iron Bowl and bigger and better things for Freeze’s program in the future, too.

“It actually feels better,” he said of choosing the Tigers. “They showed me a lot of love, telling me how I fit in, going to the practices … the atmospheres at the games is amazing.”

“We’re definitely winning the Iron Bowl this year and moving forward we’re going to the playoffs. The goal is to win a national championship.”