Who’s turning heads at Auburn’s fall camp? Coach Hugh Freeze just revealed his biggest surprise, and it’s not who you might expect! This transfer defensive back is showcasing incredible versatility and game-changing special teams prowess. Could this unassuming addition be the Tigers’ secret weapon this season?
Auburn’s fall camp has unearthed an unexpected star in transfer defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant, whose impressive performances have garnered significant praise from head coach Hugh Freeze. Pleasant, an unassuming addition via the transfer portal, has quickly established himself as Freeze’s biggest surprise, with the coach confidently stating he believes Pleasant will be a household name before the season concludes. This early acclaim suggests a pivotal role for the former Tulane standout within the Auburn Football program.
Pleasant’s journey to the Plains was not as heralded as some of the other high-profile additions from the College Football Transfer portal, such as Keyron Ware or Robert Johnson. Yet, his work ethic and on-field impact have overshadowed his initial lower profile. His transition from Tulane to the demanding environment of the Auburn Tigers News scene has been seamless, indicating a player ready to seize his opportunity.
During his tenure at Tulane, Rayshawn Pleasant demonstrated consistent reliability, participating in over 25 snaps in nearly every game of the 2024 season. While primarily operating on the right side of the field, he often found himself behind a talented duo of All-AAC corners. Despite this, his defensive metrics were solid, boasting a respectable 69.9 PFF coverage grade, a testament to his effectiveness as a rotational player within a competitive collegiate defense.
The current Auburn Football secondary is already projected to be exceptionally deep, featuring returning talents like J.D. Rhym and Kayin Lee, alongside fellow transfer Marco Strader. However, Pleasant brings a distinct physical advantage to the group. Unlike Crawford, Lee, and Strader, who possess more slender builds around the 180-185-pound range, Pleasant’s frame offers a different dimension, potentially making him a crucial asset against various offensive schemes in SEC Football.
With dedicated development during the offseason, Pleasant is poised to excel within the Tigers’ defensive backfield, thriving amidst a talent level comparable to his previous experience at Tulane. His versatility is another significant asset; he possesses valuable experience playing both safety positions. This makes him an invaluable utility player, capable of stepping into multiple roles should injuries or tactical needs arise throughout the rigorous SEC Football schedule.
Intriguingly, Rayshawn Pleasant’s most electrifying contributions may not be primarily on defense. He is an exceptionally dynamic return specialist, showcasing his explosive speed and vision with two return touchdowns on a mere 13 attempts in 2024. Averaging an astonishing 34.5 yards per return, his ability to cut quickly and threaten a “home run” whenever he touches the ball positions him as a significant special teams weapon for the Auburn Tigers News.
Ultimately, Hugh Freeze’s early assessment of Pleasant highlights a player with the potential to be one of the most impactful additions from the transfer class, despite his initial under-the-radar status. His multifaceted skillset, combining reliable defensive play with game-changing special teams ability, could indeed prove to be a truly “pleasant surprise” for the Auburn Football squad, exceeding expectations and solidifying his place in the team’s success.
