Auburn flips elite ATH Derick Smith from Alabama

Selma (Ala.) Southside four-star athlete Derick Smith has flipped his commitment from Alabama to Auburn.

Smith was committed to the Crimson Tide since March 11, but now becomes the latest Yellowhammer State prospect to move his pledge from one in-state SEC program to the other.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder is the No. 52 overall prospect and No. 3 ATH in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 3 player in Alabama.

For more Auburn recruiting intel, check out Auburn Live.

Per usual with the best of the best in the state of Alabama, the opposing program never gives up on prospects committed to the rival. Auburn continued to charge for Smith, had him on campus for a June official visit, then once more for Big Cat weekend at the end of July.

“Auburn has been in the there, for real, for real,” Smith told Auburn Live after his OV. “I plan on coming back for Big Cat (July 27). I like the atmosphere makes you want to come to Auburn.”

Smith now headlines Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class and is one of three On3 Industry top-100 prospects in the mix for Hugh Freeze and Co. A do-it-all athlete, Smith has racked up over 4,000 yards through the air and over 2,000 yards on the ground through three seasons at Southside. He’s accumulated over 50 touchdowns and has also tallied 268 tackles and a whopping 21 interceptions as a defensive back.

While it’s been a cold summer for Auburn’s arch-rivals in Tuscaloosa, the Tigers are heating up on the trail at the right time. Hugh Freeze and Co. have added 11 other commitments to their board since May and look to be trending for more coming in the next few days.

Along with Winters, four-star defensive lineman Malik Autry is one of two top-100 prospects in Auburn’s class right now. They’re joined by fellow four-stars Jakaleb Faulk, Broderick Shull, Tavaris Dice, Jourdin Crawford, Devin Williams and Donovan Starr. The latest to join the fold at the end of June and early July include blue-chip running back Alvin Henderson, cornerback Blake Woodby and defensive lineman Antonio Coleman, who re-flipped back to Auburn after previously flipping to Alabama in March.