4-star in-state ATH Derick Smith: ‘I love Coach Freeze’

SELMA, ALABAMA – On Aug. 1, coaches were officially allowed to start talking to 2025 recruits. Of course, they have already had conversations, but only when 2025 recruits were on campus for various events. Now, coaches can talk to 2025 recruits as much as they want. Derick Smith, a 2025 4-star athlete from Selma (Ala.) Southside, has been hearing a lot from Auburn since Aug. 1.

“Yes sir, they have been on me a lot, they have been on me a lot a lot for real,” Smith said.

Smith is the No. 74 overall player in the country, the No. 7 athlete in the country, and the No. 8 player in the state of Alabama for the class of 2025 according to the On3 Industry Ranking.

Smith has a long list of offers, but will be ready to narrow that list as soon as football season is over. He says the two in-state schools, Auburn and Alabama, will make the cut.

“Yes sir, I’m going to drop my top 8 right after football season,” Smith said. “They’re (Auburn) definitely up there, (Alabama) for sure up there,” Smith said.

Smith will be in Auburn on Saturday for the Tigers’ matchup with UMass.

“I’m going to Auburn for the game tomorrow,” Smith said. “Coach Davis (set it up).”

Close with Davis and Freeze

Who at Auburn has been in contact with Smith the most?

“Coach Davis, the receivers coach, and T-Reed,” Smith said. “I like them. I like them as coaches. They are some pretty cool guys to get along with in the recruiting process.”

Smith also loves the Tigers’ head coach for his development of receivers over the years. Smith has been receptive to playing receiver on the next level.

“Yes sir, I love Coach Freeze and how he develops good receivers in the NFL,” Smith said. “He said he can develop me to be next.”

As for Auburn, in general, Smith is excited about the program under Freeze.

“It’s a good school, I like what they’re doing over there,” Smith said. “I like what they’re building over there.”

He is also big on Nick Saban and Alabama.

“Coach Saban, I love what he’s doing over there, building championships, I love that,” Smith said.

Wide receiver has not been ruled out by Alabama, but the Tide have been recruiting him mainly on the defensive side of the ball.

“Coach T-Rob and Coach Freddie Roach,” Smith said. “For safety.”

Does he have a preference?

“I don’t know, I’m not sure,” Smith said.

What other schools have a chance to make the cut when he narrows things down?

“I like Georgia, Ole Miss, LSU, and Penn State, because my boy Dakaari Nelson is there,” Smith said.

Who is pursuing him the most right now? Who recruits him the hardest?

“Auburn, Bama, and LSU,” Smith said.

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