Big Play Dre: KeAndre Lambert-Smith 'grateful' for Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. – Well aware is KeAndre Lambert-Smith of his opportunity to end a quarter-century drought.  

Ronney Daniels, in 1999, became the second Auburn receiver to produce a thousand-yard season. Terry Beasley did it first, in 1970.

“It definitely would be a blessing,” Lambert-Smith said. “Everybody keeps reminding me of it.”

With 526 receiving yards through seven games, Lambert-Smith’s 75.1-yards-per-game average ranks No. 5 in the SEC, as does his gaudy 20.3 yards-per-catch average, earning him the nickname “Big Play Dre.”

To reach 1,000, Lambert-Smith would need to average 94.8 yards per game in Auburn’s five remaining regular-season contests.

“I’m trying not to put my focus there,” said Lambert-Smith, describing himself as a “big jinx person.” 

“If I happen to do it, it’s a blessing. That’s an achievement anybody would take. I’m trying to put this team in the best position to win. If that’s going for a thousand-plus and setting a record, I’ll take that.”

After four productive seasons at Penn State, Lambert-Smith transferred to Auburn for his final season. 

“I felt with Coach Freeze’s offense, I had a great opportunity at hand while also leading a group of great young receivers,” Lambert-Smith said. “I feel like I’ve showcased a little bit throughout my college career but there’s way more left in the tank. I feel like I’m one of the top guys in the country and now I have an opportunity to showcase that.”

His six receiving touchdowns are tied for 17th nationally and second in the SEC, eclipsing his career best as a Nittany Lion when he scored four in each of the previous two seasons.

One of those touchdown grabs, a 31-yarder against Oklahoma, ranks among Lambert-Smith’s favorites this season.

“That was a nasty contested catch for a touchdown,” said Lambert-Smith, whose other top grab so far in 2024 came against Cal. “The toe drag in the end zone. That was good on Sundays. I got two feet in. It gave me that sense of self-confidence.” 

Lambert-Smith appreciates the opportunity to mentor Auburn’s freshman receivers while learning from assistant coach Marcus Davis.

“He’s a real humble guy. He’s a big reason why I came here,” Lambert-Smith said of his position coach. “He’s a real one. I felt that instant connection. We’ve got a great relationship, and I look forward to continuing to build it.”

Labeling himself “a complete receiver,” Lambert-Smith says his strengths including route running, quickness, the ability to read defenses and the versatility to play inside or outside. His biggest area to improve, he says, is generating yards after receptions. 

Lambert-Smith takes pride in helping develop the Freeze Four – Auburn’s freshman receiving quartet of Cam Coleman, Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson and Bryce Cain, who jokingly refer to KLS as “Unc” or “Old head.”

“I’m trying to be that big brother for them,” Lambert-Smith said. “I talk to them a lot, whether it’s helping them with techniques, route running and corrections. I try to give them all the tools and knowledge I didn’t have as a freshman. I didn’t have somebody wrap their arm around me and show me the ropes, so I try to be that for them.”

Sometimes, says Lambert-Smith, he’s on the receiving end of the mentoring relationship.

“I learn things from them,” he said. “The way Malcolm practices, his explosiveness, his energy, I try to challenge myself to be as happy as him every day.”

A native of Norfolk, Virginia, Lambert-Smith totaled 156 receiving yards against Arkansas, the 14th-best performance in Auburn history. His 2,247 career yards rank second among active SEC players. 

To Auburn fans interested in getting to know the person who wears No. 5, Lambert-Smith offers this self-assessment: “A real humble dude, plays with a lot of energy. Grateful to make it this far in life and have an opportunity to play at this level. Genuine, energetic, big personality. I get along with anybody. I’m not too good for anything.”

Raised a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Lambert-Smith grew up around water but never visited a lake until a friend invited him to Lake Martin over the summer. 

“A whole different experience,” he said. “I’m like, ‘I can get used to this.’ I’m putting it on my bucket list: a house on a lake. My kids are going to grow up on a boat. I didn’t know how relaxing it could be. I found a new little chill spot.”

His former team is undefeated and positioned for a potential playoff spot, but KeAndre Lambert-Smith refuses to look back. He’s invested in Auburn’s immediate and future success – starting Saturday at 6:45 p.m. CT at Kentucky. It’s also his next opportunity to close in on an elusive Auburn receiving record.  

“I feel like there are lessons to be learned in every situation,” Lambert-Smith said. “I don’t regret anything. I feel like I came here for a reason. God put me in front of Coach Davis, this staff and these teammates for a reason. I don’t regret anything, and I appreciate this experience.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer