Could Petey Smith follow Auburn pipeline?

Armwood junior Petey Smith stood in the background as his big brother, Eric, signed with Auburn on Wednesday.

Smith, one of the nation's top linebackers, wore a blue Auburn long-sleeved shirt and couldn't help but flash his trademark grin when asked if he's the next Smith brother bound for Auburn.

"It looks good right now," Smith said.

Smith said Auburn is in his top four, which includes Miami, Florida State and Ohio State. But Auburn has built a "personal relationship" with him and several other Hawks juniors; junior defensive back Angelo Hadley and defensive end Ryne Giddins promise to be two of the top recruits on next signing day.

"The (Auburn coaches) said they want all four of us," Smith said. "When their coach was in, he told us they were going to get Derek Winter (a Plant receiver). I didn't believe him at first. But they did. They said they really wanted more guys from Tampa."

Smith said he's spent the last few months trying to regain his playing shape. While missing several games due to a bladder infection last season, he said he put on a little too much weight (and topped off at around 270).

But now, he's back to around 245 and plans to get around the 225-range come football season. Right now, he's the starting leftfielder for the Hawks baseball team. His brother, Eric, also plays in the outfield.

Could they be teammates in college? Time will tell.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com