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BREAKING: No. 2 in-state recruit Jared Smith commits to Auburn

Jeffrey Leeby:Jeffrey Lee•08/03/24•

JLeeAULive

Jared Smith
Jared Smith (Photo: Cole Pinkston/Auburn Live)

Four-star edge Jared Smith, who is ranked the No. 2 overall recruit in the state of Alabama, has committed to Auburn.

Smith, who attends Thompson High School in Alabaster, Ala., announced his decision Saturday during a ceremony in Birmingham. He chose Auburn over Georgia, Florida State, South Carolina, USC and Ole Miss, among others.

“Why not stay in-state?,” he said. “You know, play for your people. Just the culture that (Auburn has) built, the atmosphere. Even if they’re losing, every game the atmosphere (is great).

“The coaching staff (stands out) and the home feeling, and it’s only like an hour and 30 from home.”

Big Cat played big part in Smith’s decision

Smith’s commitment to Auburn comes after several unofficial visits to the Plains during the offseason. The most recent visit was last weekend for the Tigers’ Big Cat recruiting event.

Smith said Big Cat helped make his decision easier.

“It was big, real big,” Smith said. “Just seeing those guys trust in the coaching staff, trust in Auburn. It was really good. Just getting with all the recruits, talking to Coach (Hugh) Freeze, Coach (Josh) Aldridge, Coach (DJ) Durkin, it was a great day. The scavenger hunt, just running around with all the recruits, talking about recruiting with them.”

Smith has developed a good relationship with Aldridge, who will be his position coach at Auburn.

“Coach Aldridge is a very good coach,” Smith said. “He’s high energy. He’s trying to get that defense to play at the standard of Auburn.”

And now Smith will be part of it.

Smith is the third player from Thompson High School to commit to Auburn this week. Punter John Alan McGuire committed to the Tigers on Sunday. Four-star safety Anquon Fegans followed suit Monday evening. Auburn also signed Kaleb Harris from Thompson in the 2024 class.

Smith is the 22nd commitment in Auburn’s 2025 class and first edge rusher. He is ranked the No. 4 edge in the country and No. 42 overall recruit in the ’25 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

He also is the ninth top-15 recruit in Alabama to commit to Auburn. Alabama has two top-15 in-state commitments; Ohio State has two and Texas has one.

On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power on Smith

“Jared Smith is a super tall, long pass rusher with very good physical traits. He’s measured around 6-foot-6, 235 pounds with 34.5-inch arms and is a good athlete in the combine setting. He projects as a big, edge-setting defensive end with the athleticism to generate pressure as a pass rusher.

“Smith had a disjointed junior year, transferring from Spain Park to Thompson mid-season. With that said, he had a very good spring game and we’re eager to see how he looks this season for the Warriors.”

Jared-Smith-Auburn
Jared Smith (Photo: Cole Pinkston/Auburn Live)

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