"I hope we play Auburn every year just to make u regret it everyday": CFB fans react to Tennessee DT commit flipping to Hugh Freeze's Auburn

Modified Dec 06, 2024 17:22 GMT

Hugh Freeze's Auburn secured a significant recruiting win during the early signing period for 2025 with the commitment of Darrion Smith. He is a three-star defensive tackle from St. Frances Academy in Maryland.

Smith, who had been committed to Tennessee since July 30, decided to join Hugh Freeze’s program on National Signing Day, Dec. 4. The move not only bolstered Auburn’s 2025 class but also sparked lively reactions across the college football landscape.

One Tennessee fan expressed their frustration, saying:

“I hope we play Auburn every year just to make u regret it everyday.”

Another fan quipped:

“Hahahahahah lmao you going to a school that will go 7-5 next year that’s crazy.”

Here is how other fans expressed their reactions:

Smith’s flip was heavily influenced by his official visit to Auburn on Nov. 23, coinciding with the Tigers’ thrilling 43-41 double-overtime victory over Texas A&M. Reflecting on the experience, Smith told Cole Pinkston of Auburn Live:

“It was definitely amazing,” Smith said of his official visit to Auburn in November. “It was one of the best college visits I have had. The game, I don’t even know what type of words to put it in. It was a thriller. It was definitely the craziest game I have been to so far.”

Another factor in Smith’s decision was his connection with fellow Auburn commits and St. Frances teammates Bryce Deas and Blake Woodby. Deas committed in June, followed by Woodby during Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend in July.

Hugh Freeze's Auburn bolsters defensive line with 2025 class as Darrion Smith highlights SEC aspirations

Auburn’s defensive line is undergoing a transition as eligibility turnover and the anticipated transfer of Gage Keys leave the position group thin. However, the Tigers are set to infuse fresh talent with their 2025 signing class.

Among the recruits is three-star defensive tackle Darrion Smith, who joins five-star Malik Autry and four-star standouts Jourdin Crawford and Antonio Coleman to strengthen the defensive front.

Smith, ranked as the No. 18 prospect in Maryland and No. 58 defensive lineman nationally by the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, expressed excitement about his future with Auburn.

"I didn’t think that anything would give me that home feel that I’ve developed at Tennessee, however, Auburn showed me differently. It also helped that two of my teammates are already committed there,” he told On3.

Smith also praised Auburn’s family-oriented environment.

“I felt like everybody was super close there,” said Smith. “People that I wasn’t super close to, like the families of people not on the staff, stopped me and talked to me. It felt like a big family and that’s something that I love.”

Ranked as a top-50 defensive tackle by both 247Sports and Rivals, Smith is the fourth defensive line commitment in Auburn’s class. Although he ranks lower than some of his peers, his addition highlights Auburn’s momentum on the recruiting trail under Freeze.

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