Alabama football’s 2025 recruiting class earned a huge lift on Monday when four-star athlete Derick Smith revealed his commitment to the Crimson Tide.
Smith, who is ranked 51st in the 2025 recruiting class and sixth among receivers, chose Alabama over Georgia and interstate foe Auburn, among other colleges, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound talent from Southside High School in Selma, Alabama, is ranked fourth in On3’s 2025 player rankings. He is Alabama’s fourth-best talent and ranks 57th overall in the 2025 class.
Smith demonstrated his flexibility as a junior at Southside High School, thriving on both sides of the field for the Panthers. Offensively, he had 46 receptions for 1,487 yards and 14 touchdowns, as well as 65 carries for 1,036 yards and 9 touchdowns. On defense, he recorded 74 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 11 sacks.
At Southside, Derick Smith shown versatility by playing numerous positions, particularly wide receiver and safety. He also played linebacker, quarterback, and running back, demonstrating his versatility on the field.
Smith ultimately chose the Crimson Tide over multiple other institutions, including six from the Southeastern Conference. His presence at Junior Day in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 3 is likely to have influenced his selection, implying that new head coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff had an impact on Smith’s choice.
Derick Smith’s pledge brings Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class to five players, joining previously committed running back Anthony Rodgers, defensive back Zymear Smith, linebacker Myles Johnson, and defensive lineman Antonio Coleman.
