Recruiting Report- Analyzing Auburn’s Recent Takeover!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Auburn had a couple of top-tier prospects across the state commit to them this past weekend. Today, we are looking at some of those recruits and what they will mean for Auburn's future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["309868"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a80282b9e04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='309868' first='Derick' last='Smith'] has been one of the top prospects in our 2025 Rankings since his freshman season, what Smith has been able to accomplish on offense and defense for Southside has been incredible. Smith has played at WR, RB, and DB and has contributed in a lot big ways. As a ball carrier, Smith is an explosive threat for Southside's ground attack, last fall he carried the ball 65 times for 1046 yards and 9 touchdowns. In addition to his skill on the ground, Smith seriously shines at wide receiver, where he can haul in a ton of deep passes downfield. Smith had a great season out wide last fall that featured him totaling up 46 receptions for 1487 yards and 14 touchdowns on the year. It's hard for any DB to match up against him with how strong and athletic he is. On defense, Smith has a similar level of impact in Southside's secondary- he hauls in picks and breaks up passes while also being able to provide terrific run support. It showed up on tape last season as he was able to record 98 total tackles (14 for loss), 4 sacks, 8 interceptions and 13 pass breakups. Smith had been committed to Alabama for a while now, but just made the decision to flip his commitment to Auburn! It's unclear what position Smith will play at the next level, but he will absolutely make a huge impact wherever he lines up. Be sure to watch Smith in his final season this fall, he's sure to make a ton of huge plays!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401111"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a80282b9e62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='401111' first='Jamichael' last='Garrett'] is one of the top defenders in the state's 2026 class and is coming off a terrific sophomore season for Gulf Shores where he made play-after-play on defense. Garrett is an explosive EDGE who consistently is able to break through and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. He has a terrific first step, great strength, and excellent pursuit that allows him to completely overwhelm offensive linemen to get to the ball carrier. It doesn't matter if he's rushing the passer or setting the edge against the run, Garrett consistently does his job at a high level and makes it look effortless. Last fall Garrett had his best season to date, he ended up recording 87 total tackles (26.5 for loss) 9.5 sacks, 14 hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and one interception on the year. Garrett has been highly recruited by tons of top-tier programs over the past two years, and rightfully so- he has helped transform Gulf Shores's defense into one of the top units in the entire state. Despite picking up offers from all over, Garrett elected to stay instate at the next level and committed to Auburn. Be sure to keep track of Garrett and Gulf Shores this fall, they're set to have a huge season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401138"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a80282b9ea5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401138' first='Shadarius' last='Toodle']</strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/shadarius-toodle/"></a>&nbsp;is one of the top linebacker prospects in the entire nation, and rightfully so- he has played extremely well for College Hill Christian's defense over the last few seasons. Toodle is a destructive middle linebacker that is highly athletic and instinctual- he frequently makes sideline-to-sideline plays and has a constant impact on opposing offenses. At 6'3 210, Toodle has some terrific speed at his size that allows him to easily maneuver around the field and make plays. It doesn't matter if the opposing offense is rushing or passing, Toodle consistently finds himself in the right position to make plays on the ball each snap. Last fall, Toodle had himself a fantastic sophomore season where he recorded 103 total tackles, 10 sacks, and 4 fumble recoveries on the year.&nbsp;With how well Toodle has played over the last few seasons, tons of top-tier programs have sent offers his way. After visiting Auburn last weekend though, Toodle committed to the Tigers! Be sure to watch Toodle this year and going forward, he's an exciting prospect that's heading into a big junior season this fall!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["401102"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66a80282b9f1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401102' first='Hezekiah' last='Harris']</strong>&nbsp;is a fantastic defensive lineman out of Mae Jemison who has been one of our top 5 players in the state's 2026 class for a while now. Harris possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and exceptional pass-rushing skills that have made him an outstanding player on Mae Jemison's defensive front. Harris is a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks with how well he rushes the passer, each snap he's a consistent force on the pocket that generates pressure and racks up sacks at a high level. Harris's skills extend beyond rushing the passer as well, he can easily shed blocks to stop the run and frequently makes plays behind or right at the line of scrimmage. With how well he's played since his freshman season, Harris has become a highly recruited prospect. However, Harris had a big development in his recruitment this past weekend as he visited and committed to Auburn! Be sure to watch out for Harris this fall, he's going into a big junior season where he will make a ton of plays!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->