3-star defensive lineman Darrion Smith, from the nationally renowned St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, MD, has officially flipped his commitment from Tennessee to Auburn football. Smith, who had pledged to the Volunteers since late July, made his decision following a recent visit to Auburn for the Tigers’ thrilling victory over Texas A&M.
During his visit, Smith was accompanied by his Auburn-committed teammates from St. Frances, including cornerback Blake Woodby, safety Bryce Deas, and class of 2026 wide receiver Wayne Henry. Joining them was another promising 2026 teammate, Safety Jireh Edwards.
Auburn has been working hard to establish a recruiting pipeline to St. Frances Academy, one of the most prestigious football programs in the country. Smith is ranked as the No. 552 overall player in the On3 Industry ranking and the No. 56 overall defensive lineman in the class of 2025.
Don't let his rankings fool you, he was wanted by many big-time SEC programs.
Known for his athleticism, Smith had a standout performance earlier this season in a top-ranked high school matchup against IMG Academy, where he showcased his skills with a long fumble return for a touchdown. His teammate Blake Woodby called him "the most athletic defensive lineman" in St. Frances history. While he may not make an immediate impact on the field, he is viewed as a high-upside prospect with tremendous potential. His frame is expected to fill out significantly in Auburn’s strength and conditioning program.
This marks yet another solid addition to Hugh Freeze’s 2025 recruiting class, as the Tigers continue to build for the future with a mix of developmental prospects and top-tier talent.