'Make it count': Auburn edge Jared Smith plots breakout sophomore season

AUBURN, Ala. – While backing up future NFL pass rushers Keldric Faulk and Keyron Crawford as a true freshman last season, edge Jared Smith took notes.

“I learned from them all year long how to be a pro,” Smith said. “That’s my biggest thing. How to be a pro and being consistent. I was looking at their body language, how they carried themselves.”

Smith made the most of his opportunities as a true freshman in 2025. Of his five tackles, four them came behind the line of scrimmage, including a pair of sacks.

For a sophomore encore, Smith hopes to duplicate that production on a grander scale.

“Everything last year times 10,” Smith said. “Effort, consistency and relentless.”

At 6-6, 260 pounds, Smith stands out during Auburn’s spring practice.

“Working on being consistent every day,” he said.

“That group has gotten better every single day,” Auburn head coach Alex Golesh said. “They’re asked to do a bunch of different things. Jared Smith has gotten better and more confident every single day. It’s been fun to watch. They’ve gotten better as a group.”

After showing promise as a freshman who arrived at Auburn ranked among the top five in the country at his position, Smith would’ve had his choice of destinations, had he chosen to leave.

The return of Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin prompted Smith and many of his defensive teammates to stay.

“Coach Durkin,” Smith said. “Believing in him and him believing in me. Seeing all these guys on the defense, why not?”

For his second season on the Plains, Smith works with a new position coach, Coleman Hutzler, who tutors the Tigers’ bucks and edges.

“He’s going to get on you,” Smith said. “It’s tough coaching. We didn’t come here for soft coaching, we came to win the SEC championship. That’s how all the guys are in the edge room. That’s what it’s going to take.”

Preparing for his second college football season, Smith learns from senior edge Da’Shawn Womack, a veteran of three SEC seasons at LSU and Ole Miss.

“His work ethic,” Smith said. “He’s a senior. His grit, he comes to work every day.”

“Womack is the one guy who’s played a ton of football who’s taken some leadership in that group,” Golesh said. “The young guys have gotten old really quickly. They’ve come along really well.”

“We’ve got a bunch of guys who can play the buck position and the defensive end position,” Hutzler said. “That creates a lot of versatility for us as a defense.”

Smith also sees greatness in true freshman Jaquez Wilkes from Wadley, Alabama.

“He’s going to be special for sure,” Smith said.

A state champion at Thompson High School, Jared Smith wants to help lead Auburn back to the top in the Southeastern Conference, a message reinforced by spring practice visits from alumni.

“Seeing all the former players come back and seeing how much they’re pouring into us, who wouldn’t want to do that?” Smith said. “It’ll be special.”

From those former Tigers, including NFL legends Cam Newton and Takeo Spikes, Smith received advice he plans to implement.

“This place is special,” Smith said. “Every time you step on the field, make it count.”

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