Carde Smith committed to Auburn over the weekend, giving the SEC program another strong verbal in their impressive 2024 recruiting class.
A four-star offensive lineman from Williamson (Mobile, Alabama), Smith checks in as the No. 216 player in the nation according to 247Sports. ESPN ranks him among the top 30 offensive tackles in the class of 2024 and as part of their ESPN 300.
Florida State, Miami, Mississippi State and Tennessee were among the offers for Smith, who is a solidly built 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds.
Asked this week by USA TODAY High School Sports why he decided to stay in-state and picked Auburn, Smith’s answer was simple.
“Auburn feels like home,” Smith said.
“Me and coach Thornton (offensive line coach Jake Thornton) have a real good relationship. I have been on Auburn’s trail since June of last year and they have everything I want and more.”
Williamson is an agile and fluid mover at his size. He pulls well and gets downfield in his run-blocking. His movement shows athleticism that is unique given his frame.
There is no stiffness in his blocking and he bends well.
Finishing blocks and playing to the whistle, he relies on his natural strength at the high school level but has some nice tools to work with and develop at a Power Five program.
Auburn’s proximity and connection with him during his recruitment paid off in the end and helped guide his decision this week.
“Going to the games and having a relationship with them since last summer and building connections with the coaches and players,” Smith said about how Auburn came to feel like home.
