DL Darrion Smith flips to Auburn from Tennessee: ‘Coach Freeze is building something great’

Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances Academy three-star defensive lineman Darrion Smith took an official visit to Auburn from Nov. 22-24. He went on this trip as a Tennessee commit. 

Smith called his official “a big visit” because he got to experience Auburn and learn more about the Tigers’ program. After speaking with his family ahead of the Early Signing Period, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound recruit decided to flip from the Volunteers to Auburn.

“I feel like I can go there, make an impact on the team and help the team be better than it was this year,” Smith told On3. “I believe that the coaches will develop me and get me ready for the next level.” 

Smith was impressed by the family feeling at Auburn

Smith is the third 2025 recruit from St. Frances Academy to choose the Tigers, following four-star cornerback Blake Woodby and three-star linebacker Bryce Deas. He believes there is a pipeline from the high school to The Plains and that there is “more to come.” 

The No. 18 player in Maryland is excited to showcase his skills at Auburn and in the SEC. He is looking forward to joining a program that made him feel welcomed during his time on campus. 

“I felt like everybody was super close there,” said Smith, the No. 569 overall prospect and No. 58 defensive lineman in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “People that I wasn’t super close to, like the families of people not on the staff, stopped me and talked to me. It felt like a big family and that’s something that I love.” 

Smith is excited to play for the Auburn coaches

Smith shared that he is closest with defensive tackles coach Vontrell King-Williams, who he has developed a connection with over the last two months. He feels like his bond with the Auburn assistant grows every day and is “getting better and better.” 

“He’s a family-oriented man and he puts family first,” Smith said. “He’s a God-fearing man. Coach King-Williams is a great person. I love what he’s doing with his players. He already has a Freshman All-American on his team. He’s developing guys and getting them ready for the next level.” 

Smith is also impressed by head coach Hugh Freeze. The newest member of the Tigers’ 2025 recruiting class believes Auburn’s head man has the SEC program headed in the right direction.

“Coach Freeze is building something great,” Smith said. “He recruits better and better every year. Last year, he had a great class and this year, I feel like it’s probably going to be an even better class. He knows what to do and in two years, we’re going to take over.”