Darrion Smith, Baltimore-area DL, signs with Auburn
Defensive lineman Darrion Smith of Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances signed with Auburn on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
The Smith File
Position: Defensive line – 3-technique, 5-technique
Height/Weight: 6-foot-2 / 260 pounds
Notable trait/Auburn fit: Smith is highly dependent on get-off and advanced pass rush moves. His get-off is very good and he sheds blocks with ease despite being somewhat undersized at his position.
On3 Industry Ranking: (88.12) No. 569 overall, No. 58 DL, No. 18 in Maryland
Commitment date: Dec. 4, 2024
Chose Auburn over: Tennessee
Time of enrollment: January
Notable: Smith was a late-emerging target for Auburn. He took one official visit and was hooked. It did not hurt that he had three teammates committed to Auburn as well. The Tigers are working to keep the pipeline at St. Frances growing. Smith was a key piece in that.
Quoteworthy: “I didn’t think that anything would give me that home feel that I’ve developed at Tennessee, however Auburn showed me differently. It also helped that two of my teammates are already committed there.”
Film Breakdown
***Film breakdown written by Auburn Live Analyst Cole Pinkston..
— Explosive. Smith is in the same category as Auburn defensive line commit Antonio Coleman in this regard. Smith bursts off the line with excellent spring, much like an edge rusher would. He is an undersized interior defensive lineman, but he wins with his quickness over and over again. Remember, Smith (St. Frances) almost exclusively plays nationally ranked high school programs.
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— Hands. Many young defensive lineman have issues with their hands. He’s got the moves and counter moves down like a college defensive lineman. That learning curve will be nearly non-existent when transitioning to college. His hands and his explosiveness make him highly disruptive on the interior–much like Marcus Harris was for Auburn. Smith causes consistent chaos in the middle with advanced technique and elite get-off.
— Smith is surely undersized. His arm length and measurements are unknown other than his height which is around 6-foot-2. He is a gap-shooter, meaning he probably does not hold up well against the doubles and run-mashers. So, his versatility is probably lacking some on the next level–Unlike a Keldric Faulk, for example, who can play on any down. Smith is more for creating chaos and shooting gaps–at least at this point in his career. Make no mistake, he’s really good at it, too.
