Alabama continued to sit high on 4-star EDGE Jared Smith’s list

Alabama wasn’t first to offer Jared Smith. They took their time and evaluated the 6-foot-6, 230-pound four-star EDGE out of Hoover (Ala.) Spain Park. After an impressive sophomore season, the Crimson Tide offered Smith early in 2023 and the in-state program has been in pursuit since.

The No. 49 prospect in the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings grew up a fan of Alabama. Smith has camped, taken numerous visits and attended a handful of games. He was back in Tuscaloosa Saturday and although the Crimson Tide fell to Texas, he liked what he saw.

“It was packed,” Smith told On3. “I got there early and the atmosphere was awesome inside Bryant-Denny Stadium was something I had never seen before. The crowd was into the game every play and it was lit to be a part of a game that special.”

Since Aug. 1, when coaches were permitted to contact recruits in Smith’s class, Alabama has recruited him as hard as anyone. He is talking regularly with Freddie Roach. There are texts from other coaches and even players are recruiting Smith.

“Jeremiah Alexander is talking to me a lot and just talking to me about stay home. He always says; why not Alabama? It is cool to hear from him and the players about their experience and all that.”

Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia and Tennessee are some of the schools Alabama is up against for Smith. It is still early, but the visits, the communication and their performance all have the Crimson Tide in a good position for one of the best in their home state.

“The communication is really big for me. It shows me who cares and who wants me. It gives me an idea of who the contenders will be. I am dialed in on this season right now, so I am not thinking about cutting my list down yet, but I do like Alabama a lot. They are up there.

“With Alabama, I could stay local and stay home. A lot of players do that with Alabama and it is something I like. They have great coaches and it is a great school, so I will keep going back to Alabama.”

Smith will visit Georgia this weekend for the South Carolina game. He plans to visit Tennessee for a game later this season as well.

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