Auburn’s latest powerhouse recruit, 5-star defensive end Jared Smith, is making waves after earning a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-American Game. Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and weighing in at 240 pounds, Smith is ready to take the field and bring his disruptive energy to the Tigers.
On media day, Smith confidently spoke about his game, saying, “Causing havoc off the edge, that’s what I feel like is my specialty.” With a clear focus on getting after the quarterback, he’s ready to wreak havoc at the next level. He’s no stranger to dominance, as evidenced by his stellar season for Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson, where he posted 89 tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks, leading his team to an Alabama 7A state title.
But Jared Smith isn’t just about physicality—he’s also keen on improving his game. “Pad level, staying low, striking the man in front of me,” he said, recognizing that perfecting his technique is key to success at Auburn. He also knows that SEC football demands more than just raw talent. “Watching film at Auburn, it’s going to be on a whole different level,” Smith said, prepared for the jump to elite competition.
Smith also brought a surprising element to his game—his versatility in pass coverage. “I can drop into coverage,” he proudly shared, showing off his ability to disguise defenses, a skill he developed during his time at Thompson.
Catch Jared Smith and other Auburn recruits in action during the Under Armour All-America Game on January 2, airing at 4 p.m. EST on ESPN. The future of Auburn’s defense is in great hands with Smith ready to make his mark!
