50 players Auburn fans should know: Meet the Tigers’ most underrated defensive player
Jared Smith recorded four tackles for loss and two sacks as a freshman while posting the team's best edge win rate, and his A-Day interception proved he's only getting better.
Olivia Bennett 
EDITOR’S NOTE: Leading up to the SEC Media Days on July 20, 205focus.com is spotlighting one Auburn football player daily. Today, we focus on the high-upside potential of edge rusher Jared Smith.
A Defensive Secret Weapon
While Auburn football’s A-Day spring game was heavily focused on the two interceptions thrown by quarterback Byrum Brown, the defensive playmaker who recorded one of those picks is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Jared Smith jumped the route to secure the interception, and although the whistle had blown the play dead, he showcased his natural instincts by taking it all the way to the end zone.
"We were in the red zone; offense was running screens the whole spring. I finally got a chance to get my hands on one, so I took it to the crib. In a real game that’s a touchdown," Smith remarked following the scrimmage.
Building on Freshman Potential
As a key recruit from the 2025 signing class, Smith quickly proved that his athleticism was ready for the college level. In his limited role as a freshman, he made his presence felt, recording five tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks, and a notable forced fumble against South Alabama.
His impact is backed by the numbers: Smith led the Tigers' defense last season with a 16.7 percent edge win rate. Standing at 6-foot-6, he has become a disruptive force in the backfield alongside teammates Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford.
Poised for a Breakout
Head coach Alex Golesh has been impressed by the young defender's trajectory. "Jared Smith has gotten better, more confident every single day," Golesh said during spring practices. "What coach (Coleman) Hutzler has done with those guys... it’s been fun to watch."
The Tigers' edge room is deep, featuring experienced veterans like Missouri transfer Nate Johnson, Ole Miss transfer Da’Shawn Womack, and senior Chris Muuray. While Smith and JJ Faulk represent the youth of the group, their relentless competitive energy is expected to be a major factor for the Auburn defense this season.
COMING Sunday: We take a look at the future of the Auburn offense, quarterback Byrum Brown.
