Auburn Football: Offensive Depth Chart Projections – Wide Receiver
Nov 1, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Marcus Davis (80) celebrates with wide receiver Melvin Ray (82) after scoring a touchdown against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Auburn defeated Ole Miss 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Davis
Yet another breakout candidate in the receiving corps is Marcus Davis, who at 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds is a near clone of Quan Bray.
Bray had a career year in 2014 with 39 receptions for 471 yards and four touchdowns working primarily out of the slot, though he also returned punts and played a little Wildcat quarterback.
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A high school QB and rising junior, Davis could step into Bray’s shoes quite well – even if he hasn’t put up very big numbers so far.
Davis was dependable in 2014 with 13 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, and he has a string of four consecutive games with at least one reception. But his stats dipped from the 23 receptions for 217 yards and a TD he had as a true freshman in 2013.
However, Davis brings more to the Tigers than yards and catches.
“Marcus is awesome because he’s one of those glue guys you have to have on your team,” offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee told the media during bowl practices.
He’s also got a high football IQ, which probably has something to do with his background as a quarterback.
In the Iron Bowl against Alabama, Davis was credited with two rushing yards when a mistimed snap hit him as he crossed the formation while in motion. Davis helped the Tigers avoid a costly turnover by grabbing the ball and getting what little yardage he could.
The play went largely unnoticed, and that’s fitting because Davis has gone largely unnoticed in two seasons on campus. With more breathing room in the unit with the departure of Bray and Sammie Coates, Davis has an opportunity to make a much bigger statement in 2015.
Next: Stanton Truitt and Jaylon Denson