This Auburn freshman has ‘earned everybody’s respect,’ Alex Golesh says
Tigers coach appeared at Mobile charity event on Tuesday
Olivia Bennett 
Securing Saraland High School standout DeShawn Spencer was one of the premier recruiting milestones for Alex Golesh during his early tenure at Auburn. The wide receiver originally committed to Duke before Golesh successfully helped flip Spencer to the Tigers last December.
Making an Immediate Impression
Since arriving on campus, Spencer has quickly validated the coaching staff's faith in his potential. Golesh, speaking ahead of the First Light Community of Mobile Football Preview Dinner, recalled meeting the freshman during his official visit. Even then, the receiver's genuine desire to be at Auburn was apparent, and he has lived up to expectations ever since.
"He’s really, really intelligent. He’s a really good football player," Golesh noted. "Like he did so much at Saraland that for him to just hone in at playing receiver and he’s really locked in on playing in the slot."
A Dynamic Playmaker
Spencer’s high school resume was nothing short of elite. As a first-team all-state selection in 2025, the 5-foot-11, 165-pound receiver recorded 76 catches for 1,385 yards and 20 touchdowns. Despite his massive production in Alabama’s largest classification, he carried a three-star rating, potentially due to his physical stature.
However, the skepticism surrounding his size quickly evaporated during spring practice. Spencer solidified his standing by being named Offensive MVP of the A-Day game, where he hauled in nine receptions for 93 yards. Golesh emphasized that Spencer has earned everybody’s respect through his work ethic and toughness.
"He’s a young guy that we’re going to have to get the ball in his hands and let him go do it," Golesh said. "He’s put some good weight on. He’s really smart, really tough, man. You talk about identity of Auburn football, that’s what you want."
Supporting the Mission
The event in Mobile highlighted the ongoing efforts of the First Light Community, an organization dedicated to fostering shared lives for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. The group manages an activity center and six homes within the Mobile region. To learn more about their initiatives, visit FirstLightCommunity.org.
