Auburn football has once again proven its recruiting prowess, securing a significant commitment with the addition of Derick Smith, a Top247 athlete from Southside-Selma, Alabama. For the second consecutive year, head coach Hugh Freeze and wide receivers coach Marcus Davis have successfully flipped a highly-rated recruit from Alabama.
Smith, a 6-foot-1, 185-pound standout, had originally pledged his allegiance to the Crimson Tide in March. However, Auburn’s persistent efforts, spearheaded by Davis and area recruiter Charles Kelly, have paid off. Smith, ranked as the No. 78 player nationally, the No. 2 athlete, and the No. 7 player from Alabama by 247Sports, has decided to join the Tigers instead.
The decision marks a crucial win for Auburn’s recruiting strategy. Smith, who was initially recruited by Alabama as a safety, has always been viewed by Auburn as a wide receiver—a position where he has excelled throughout his high school career. Over the past three seasons at Southside-Selma, Smith has amassed impressive stats: 4,075 receiving yards, 30 receiving touchdowns, and over 1,000 rushing yards with 17 rushing touchdowns. Defensively, he has recorded 268 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, 21 interceptions, and 14 pass breakups.
Smith’s commitment to Auburn follows a notable trend of flipping highly sought-after recruits from their in-state rival. Exactly one year ago, Auburn secured Perry Thompson, a top recruit, from Alabama, signaling a strategic shift in the state’s recruiting landscape.
Smith’s recruitment was heavily influenced by his relationship with Coach Davis, who he describes as a father figure and a key supporter of his football career. “Coach Davis, he looks at me like a son and he’s always looking out for me,” Smith said. “He wants what’s best for me… He wants me here bad. He wants me real bad.”
The atmosphere at Auburn also played a significant role in Smith’s decision. Despite his commitment to Alabama, the allure of Auburn’s environment and its football culture continued to attract him. An official visit following his trip to Tuscaloosa provided Auburn with the momentum needed to secure his commitment.
With Smith’s addition, Auburn’s 2025 recruiting class now ranks No. 7 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings. He is the seventh commitment since Big Cat Weekend and the second flip from Alabama, joining Top247 defensive lineman Antonio Coleman. Other recent additions to the class include Top247 cornerback Blake Woodby and punter John Alan McGuire, with Hezekiah Harris, Shadarius Toodle, and JaMichael Garrett joining the 2026 class.
As Auburn builds momentum in recruiting, Smith’s commitment represents not only a significant personal victory but also a strategic advancement in Auburn’s ongoing battle to dominate recruiting within the state of Alabama.
