Searcy, a highly regarded defensive talent from Thomaston, Georgia, played for Upson-Lee High School and was ranked the No. 246 recruit and No. 32 defensive end in the nation for the 2023 class. Throughout his recruitment process, Searcy took official visits to several top college football programs, including Clemson, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Florida. Auburn, along with many other prominent schools, extended a scholarship offer to him.
After making the decision to transfer, Searcy quickly gained recognition as a valuable prospect. According to 247 Sports, he is ranked as the No. 90 overall player and the 12th defensive end in the transfer portal.
During his 2024 season with the University of Florida, Searcy has already made significant contributions to the team’s defense. Through the course of the season, he has recorded 34 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 quarterback hurry, and forced 2 fumbles. His standout performance came in the game against Mississippi State, where he logged a career-high 7 tackles in a single game. This achievement, alongside his selection to the 2023 All-SEC freshman team, underscores his growing prominence as a player and highlights his skills as a valuable defensive asset. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 262 pounds, Searcy still appears to be tapping into his full potential.
In the 2024 season, Searcy is stepping into a new role as a full-time starter for the Florida Gators at outside linebacker, though he also has previous experience playing defensive end. This versatility has been crucial to his development, and as he adjusts to the demands of the SEC, his snap count has steadily increased. According to Pro Football Focus, he has played 362 snaps so far this season. This number is expected to rise over the next two years as he gains more experience and continues to refine his skills.
Auburn may be an ideal landing spot for Searcy, where his talents could be used in various ways depending on the team’s needs. His versatility would allow him to play either at linebacker or defensive end, giving Auburn the opportunity to utilize him in a variety of defensive schemes. Out of his 362 snaps this season, 162 have been spent rushing the passer, which accounts for about 44.8% of his total snaps. This suggests that Searcy is particularly effective when tasked with putting pressure on the opposing quarterback. In addition to his pass-rushing abilities, his coverage grade of 77.8 is remarkable for a player of his size. Despite his bulk, Searcy has shown that he can effectively drop into coverage, having done so 59 times this season.
On the defensive front, Searcy’s performance against the run has also been solid. His run defense grade of 69.5 reflects his capability to hold his own and contribute in all aspects of the game. Auburn, which is in need of bolstering its defensive end and linebacker depth, would benefit greatly from Searcy’s presence. His arrival could help fill the void left by Jalen McLeod, a key defensive contributor for Auburn, who is graduating after the 2024 season. McLeod’s impact will be hard to replace, as he posted impressive numbers, including 57 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 8 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, and 1 pass breakup in 2024.
Searcy’s versatility and skill set could allow him to make an immediate impact at Auburn. The program will need his contributions as they look to rebuild and strengthen their defensive lineup. Given his blend of size, athleticism, and experience, he appears to be a promising addition for any team looking to improve its defense.
In summary, Searcy’s performance as a defensive player continues to rise, especially as he takes on a larger role with Florida. Whether at Auburn or another program, his ability to play multiple positions and contribute in both pass rushing and coverage will be valuable assets to any defense. With the potential to become a dominant force in college football, Searcy is a player to watch closely over the next few seasons.