Top247 OT Carde Smith pledges to attend Auburn
Another student has been added to Jake Thornton’s OL class.
Carde Smith is a Tiger from Auburn. The offensive tackle made his dream of playing for the Tigers come true on Wednesday, having previously only dreamed about it while growing up in Alabama.
At Williamson (Ala.), Smith plays defensive line for Antonio Coleman, a former Auburn player. According to 247Sports, Smith is ranked as the No. 216 player, No. 23 offensive tackle, and No. 16 player from Alabama. He is reported as 285 pounds and 6 feet 5 inches tall.
Smith said, “It’s very family-oriented,” to Auburn Undercover. I was an Auburn supporter growing up. Mommy developed feelings for Auburn. I developed feelings for Auburn. My mentor left for Auburn. He was able to explain everything to me in detail. It felt very much like home when I visited the school, had a seat with Coach Freeze and Coach Thornton, spoke with the players, and actually went out with them.”
Smith visited Auburn and Mississippi State, two of his top competitors, multiple times this spring before enrolling in Auburn’s 2025 class. When Smith was first entering the recruiting market, he spent the summer at Auburn. When things started to pick up in the fall, offensive line coach Jake Thornton led the way and Smith received an offer.
In the final stretch, Smith was evaluating his alternatives, and that early offer was significant.
“It really was crucial because that’s how I was offered the position at Auburn. I was ruling at a camp,” Smith remarked. “Coach (Thornton) was teaching me new stances and making me go every rep.” The following day, he gave me a call and made the offer. How authentic he was. You’re going to have to work when you get here, he added. It won’t be something we just hand it to you. You need to be in charge. You must be dominant if you want to attend Auburn.”
Hugh Freeze actively participated in Smith’s hiring process as well, trying to retain local talent.
Smith stated, “It’s really important.” “Coach Freeze is different from the rest because he imparts knowledge on more than just football. You learn how to be a guy from him. He gives you encouragement. He didn’t bring up football at their meeting when I was there. He discussed the theological aspect of it, prayer, and maintaining God’s presence in your life. The details and nuances of manhood.”
Smith is the fourth commitment for the Tigers in what looks to be a huge offensive line haul. He joins recent three-star in-state product Tai Buster, Top247 offensive tackle Tavaris Dice, and another three-star in-state prospect Spencer Dowland. Overall, Smith is the Tigers’ tenth commitment overall, which moves Auburn up to seventh in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings.
“I’m ecstatic. We intend to win that national title,” Smith declared. “I’ll be there. You’re going to get a dog.
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