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The college football recruiting process turned for Southside High wide receiver Derick Smith on Monday night, flipping from Alabama to Auburn.

A trip down on the Plains for Big Cat Weekend was enough for Smith to switch from the Crimson Tide to the Tigers. Smith was The Selma Times-Journal football player of the year last season and offensive MVP in 2022. 

Smith, rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 51 player in the Class of 2025, is expected to play receiver at Auburn. Alabama saw Smith possibly as a defensive back.

“I just love the atmosphere at Auburn,” Smith told on3.Com last weekend in Auburn. “It gets better and better every time I come. I ain’t gonna lie, I love the fans here. I have great relationships with the coaches. “It’s a good school. I like what they’re doing. I like what they’re building.”

The 6-foot-1 Smith ran 65 times for 1,036 yards and nine touchdowns last season. Smith caught 46 passes for 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also ran 78 times for 289 yards and two TDs. Defensively, Smith had 109 total tackles and a Pick-6.  

Smith will also play in the All-American football game later this year.