Aug 52 min read

Mammoth OL Carde Smith Commits to the USC Trojans

USC Trojans Offensive Line | Carde Smith Commitment — © Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Consensus four-star offensive lineman Carde Smith committed to Auburn in April and told reporters the commitment was unequivocal. Indeed, he said, "I'm locked. Ain't no switching." Evidently, he was not locked in too tightly. He de-committed from Auburn on June 26.

The de-commitment from Auburn came on the heels of Smith's official visit to USC on June 21-23. And, Smith has now committed to play for the Trojans.

A coveted OL, Smith received offers from Florida State, Miami, Mississippi State, Nebraska, and many other traditional collegiate powerhouse programs. On3 rates Smith as the No. 3 offensive tackle in the 2025 class.

About Carde Smith

Smith is 6-foot-6 and weighs 300 pounds. He will be a high school senior this year at Williamson High School in Mobile, Ala.

At the prep level, Smith regularly plays right tackle and dominates at the point of attack with explosiveness and raw power. He consistently overwhelms defensive opponents with his size and power. In the words of 247Sports, he exhibits "quick twitch explosiveness" along with natural power and "strength to drive defenders" back.

His run blocking is phenomenal, and he shows high-end potential as a pass protector. He projects as a Power Four multi-year starter. According to Yahoo Sports, Smith has "good arm length and vertical movement." Per USA Today, he is "an agile and fluid mover at his size." He pulls well and finishes his blocks, competing until the whistle blows.

Building the Trojans' Future OL

Landing Smith's commitment is a major coup for coach Lincoln Riley and offensive line coach Josh Henson. The current USC OL is anchored by Jonah Monheim, who Pro Football Focus recently rated as one of the top 5 collegiate offensive linemen in the nation. And, the future looks bright for the Trojans' offensive line. Not only did USC land Smith but also the Trojans received a commitment in July from enormous three-star tackle Elijah Vaikona, who will have a chance to earn his fourth star in his senior high school season.