Jared Smith’s commitment to Auburn University was a momentous occasion in the world of college football recruiting, as he entered the spotlight as one of the most highly sought-after prospects in the nation. The 247Sports 5-star defensive end earned Under Armour All-American Game honors, further solidifying his status as a top-tier player. With his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Smith quickly established himself as one of the best defensive players in his class. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, Smith is built to be an elite pass rusher, and his skill set only continues to develop.
At the Under Armour All-American Game media day, Smith was in high spirits, eager to talk about his future with the Auburn Tigers. He mentioned that his biggest strength on the field is his ability to cause havoc off the edge, a characteristic that’s crucial for any top-tier defensive end. “Causing havoc off the edge, that’s what I feel like is my specialty,” Smith said confidently, echoing the mindset of a player who thrives on disruption and making big plays. Smith explained that he and Auburn’s defensive line coach, Vontrell King-Williams, have spent a lot of time discussing the importance of getting after the quarterback at all levels of play.
Throughout his high school career at Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, Smith lived up to that reputation. In his senior season, he posted impressive stats, including 89 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. His relentless pursuit of the quarterback and his ability to disrupt opposing offenses played a significant role in Thompson’s success, culminating in a state title in Alabama’s 7A classification. It’s not just about his numbers on paper either. Smith’s game tape showcases a relentless pass rusher who uses his size and quickness to overwhelm offensive linemen, all while keeping his eye on the quarterback. His performance on the field has earned him a spot among the elite recruits in the nation.
However, despite his impressive accolades and success at the high school level, Smith knows that transitioning to the SEC is a different ballgame. He’s aware of the level of competition he’ll face in college football, and he’s already setting his sights on improving aspects of his game to prepare for the next level. Smith shared one area in which he knows he needs to improve: his pad level. “Man, just really staying low; pad level. Pad level is going to be key. Striking the man in front of me,” Smith said. This self-awareness is a testament to his maturity and willingness to improve, which will serve him well as he steps into the intense and physical nature of SEC football. Smith’s ability to self-assess and seek continuous improvement makes him a player to watch as he develops in Auburn’s program.
For players like Smith, the transition to the SEC often requires a significant adjustment in terms of effort, focus, and preparation. Smith understands that watching film and breaking down game tape will take on a new level of importance as he enters college football. “Going to Auburn and watching film, it’s going to be on a whole different level,” he said. College football is a game of nuances, and the level of detail that goes into film study is a critical aspect of preparation. For Smith, it’s not just about his physical talent but also how well he can study and adapt to the game at the next level.
As talented as he is on the field, one of the more interesting aspects of Smith’s game is his versatility. While he’s known for his ability to rush the passer, Smith is also confident in his skills as a pass defender. He revealed that Thompson used him to drop into coverage as part of their defensive schemes. “I can drop into coverage. Because Thompson used me dropping into coverage. Disguising defenses,” Smith said with a smile. This ability to move between rushing the passer and covering receivers is a rare trait for a player of his size. In the modern game, where defensive ends are asked to be multi-dimensional, Smith’s capability to contribute in various phases of the game makes him an even more valuable asset to Auburn’s defense. His agility and athleticism allow him to contribute not only as a pass rusher but also as a potential coverage defender, which could create mismatches for opposing offenses.
Smith’s journey to Auburn has generated a lot of excitement among fans, and for good reason. His potential to be an impact player for the Tigers is enormous. As he prepares to take the field in the Jan. 2 Under Armour All-America Game, all eyes will be on him to see how he matches up against some of the other top recruits in the nation. The game, airing on ESPN at 4 p.m. EST, will give fans a preview of what Smith can do at the next level, and Auburn fans are eager to see how he will perform on the national stage.
Auburn has consistently been a program that has produced elite defensive players, and Jared Smith looks to continue that tradition. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Ron Roberts and defensive line coach Vontrell King-Williams, Smith will be expected to make an immediate impact on Auburn’s defense. With his combination of physical tools, football IQ, and determination to improve, Smith is poised to be a game-changer for the Tigers in the coming years. His ability to get after the quarterback, set the edge, and even contribute in pass coverage will make him a key piece in Auburn’s defense as they look to return to prominence in the SEC.
As Smith prepares to take the next step in his career, his future at Auburn looks bright. He’s a player with immense potential, and the next few years will be critical as he continues to develop his skills and contribute to Auburn’s quest for a national title. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he transitions from high school standout to SEC star. With his talent, work ethic, and passion for the game, Jared Smith is a player who could make a significant impact on the Auburn Tigers in the years to come.
