Auburn Football: Offensive Depth Chart Projections – Wide Receiver

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Ricardo Louis (5) catches the ball for a touchdown against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Ricardo Louis

Trivia Question: Who is Auburn’s leading returning rusher in 2015?

Answer: Ricardo Louis

Louis was used primarily in the slot in 2014 and gained 220 rushing yards on only 18 carries (12.2 yards per attempt, most via the jet sweep). Those numbers were aided by a 75-yard touchdown in a 102-yard performance against South Carolina, and it showed the game-breaking speed and playmaking ability Louis possesses.

But overall, 2014 was slightly disappointing for the 6-foot-2, 212-pound Miami native who put up very similar rushing totals in 2013 but actually saw his receiving yards dip slightly last season.

Most Auburn football fans, and more so college football fans, know Louis primarily from his being on the receiving end of the 73-yard touchdown Prayer in Jordan-Hare thrown by Nick Marshall against Georgia in 2013.

And though Louis’ high-end speed makes him a big play waiting to happen, that one catch accounted for 11.7% of his receiving production to date. Louis had 21 receptions for 261 yards and three touchdowns in 2014, which gives him 52 catches for 622 yards and five scores in three years on the Plains.

However, the departures of Sammie Coates to the NFL and Quan Bray to graduation coupled with the addition of rocket-armed Jeremy Johnson at quarterback, Louis has a chance to be a breakout receiver in 2015.

He’s off to a good start. The rising senior caught just one pass on New Year’s Day in the Outback Bowl against Wisconsin, but it went for 66 yards and a touchdown.

Next: Melvin Ray