Auburn junior Rayshawn Pleasant was tabbed a Second Team All-American kick returner by Sporting News this week. The transfer from Tulane was a phenomenal special teamer for Tulane in his first two seasons of college football before making his way to the Plains this offseason.
Likely a reserve in the Auburn defensive backfield, Pleasant should see the bulk of his playing time this season as a return specialist. The West Monroe, Louisiana native excelled in the role while playing for his home state Green Wave, averaging nearly 39 yards per return across 13 kickoffs. He scored twice.
While the junior didn’t return punts, we could see him take over the role as a Tiger, especially considering he’s unlikely to play nearly as many defensive snaps as he did a year ago. With the uncertainty surrounding wide receiver Malcolm Simmons, and head coach Hugh Freeze’s possible inclination to save him for offense once he gets back onto the field, it would make a lot of sense for Pleasant to take over punt returning as well.
The 6-foot, 200-pound defensive back gives Hugh Freeze’s squad added depth to a special teams unit that has mostly struggled since Freeze took the job a few short years ago. He was the only Auburn Tiger tabbed an All-American by Sporting News.
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