Auburn Football: Offensive Depth Chart Projections – Wide Receiver

Nicholas Ian Allen

Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver D’haquille Williams (1) walks onto the field prior to the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most talented yet least experienced positions on the roster heading into the 2015 Auburn football season is wide receiver.

The 2015 Tigers will be without Sammie Coates, who declared for the NFL Draft after leading the team in receiving yards in each of the last two seasons. Coates had 34 catches for 741 yards and four touchdowns in 2014, ranked among the nation’s leaders with an average of 21.8 yards per catch, and could be a first round pick.

Needless to say, Auburn will miss Coates’ big play ability and the way he stretched defenses.

Head coach Gus Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee will also miss the less flashy slot receiver Quan Bray, who was the team’s third leading receiver in 2014 as well as tight ends C.J. Uzomah and Brandon Fulse and running backs Cameron Artis-Payne and Corey Grant.

That means Malzahn and Lashlee must replace more than half – 54.4%, in fact – of the Tigers’ 2,984 receiving yards from the 2014 team.

However, Auburn football fans received a bit of a pleasant surprise prior to the Outback Bowl when Malzahn announced D’haquille Williams planned to pass on the NFL Draft to return to the Plains for his senior season. Without Williams, the Tigers would have to replace 78.9% of their receiving yards from last season.

The news was especially sweet considering not only is Williams one of the most talented players in the SEC, he’ll also provide much needed experience as well as some stability on offense.

Remember, new starting quarterback Jeremy Johnson must also break in a new stable of running backs, both tight end/H-Backs and some new starters on the offensive line.

Despite Williams’ return, Malzahn, Lashlee and Johnson will need some talented players to step up into bigger roles than they’ve had in the past. Who will emerge in 2015? Let’s take a look.

Next: D'haquille Williams

Nov 8, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers receiver receiver D

D’haquille Williams

I was sure we’d seen the last of “Duuuuuuuuuuuuuke” in an Auburn football uniform.

The big-bodied wide receiver exploded on the scene in 2014 with nine catches for 154 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas in the season opener, and went on to be a big part of Auburn’s early success last season.

Despite missing three games, Williams led the Tigers with 45 receptions and five touchdown catches in his first season following a transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The 6-foot-2, 216-pound wideout finished just 11 receiving yards behind Sammie Coates’ team-leading 741.

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Through the first six games, Williams was on a record-setting pace. He hauled in 31 passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns, and the school records in all categories were in jeopardy.

However, a sprained knee against Texas A&M cost him two games, and though he returned to catch seven passes for 121 yards against Alabama, an unspecified suspension forced Williams to miss the Outback Bowl.

I was shocked when D’haquille Williams decided to return to the Auburn football team instead of jumping to the NFL. Shocked. But Williams insisted he had unfinished business.

Now, he enters 2015 as one of the best receivers not only in the SEC, but in all of college football. In fact, the Louisiana native is atop NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper’s list of pro receiving prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft.

“Duke Williams will be the elite guy you would think and you would hope next year,” Kiper said during a January teleconference. “I think when you look at Duke Williams he’ll be the No. 1 guy and next year he’ll go into the season right there at the top. There’s not going to be many receivers rated ahead, if any rated ahead of Duke Williams going into the season. He’s going to have a very high grade.”

With Williams back, assuming he stays healthy and out of trouble, new quarterback Jeremy Johnson will have a major weapon at his disposal in the passing game and Duuuuuuuuuuuke could be in store for a very big year.

Next: Ricardo Louis

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

Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Melvin Ray (82) scores a touchdown in the first quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Melvin Ray

Do people already use the nickname “Big Play” to describe 6-foot-3, 207-pound rising senior wide receiver Melvin Ray? If not, they probably should.

Despite catching only eight passes as a junior in 2014, Ray had 182 receiving yards – which actually made him the team’s leader in yards per reception with 22.8 yards per catch, and ahead of Sammie Coates, who finished in the nation’s top five with a 21.8-yard average.

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Even better, six of Ray’s eight catches game Auburn a first down, plus he scored the season’s first touchdown – a 49-yarder from Jeremy Johnson in the 45-21 season opening win over Arkansas.

Of course, the biggest problem with Ray throughout his career is that he can go long stretches without a catch. After grabbing four passes for 107 yards and a TD combined between the first two games, Ray was shut out over the next six.

Though it’s not always his fault.

“Melvin has been steady all year,” offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said prior to the Outback Bowl. “I know he hasn’t gotten as many balls as he probably deserves, to be honest with you, because he does all the little things right and when he has gotten the ball thrown his way, he’s made a play every time. I’ve got a lot of faith in Melvin.”

The Tallahassee native caught one pass in four of the final five contests, but the Tigers need Ray to step up in 2015 to help replace the production of graduated receivers Coates and Quan Bray, as well as tight end C.J. Uzomah.

After all, he’s “Big Play” Melvin Ray. Or, at least he should be.

Next: Tony Stevens

Sep 21, 2013; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) against the LSU Tigers during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Auburn 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Stevens

As we’ve already seen, the Auburn football roster has several intriguing options at wide receiver in 2015, any one of which might blossom into a star.

Add Tony Stevens to the list.

“Tony Stevens has stepped up and made some plays the last two days,” Auburn offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said during Outback Bowl practices. “I know he plays now, but still, I have noticed a little bit of urgency out of him.”

After hauling in two touchdowns in the spring game, Stevens played in just seven games in 2014 and had only one catch for 22 yards.

Listed at 6-foot-4 and 198 pounds, Stevens is the tallest receiver on the roster, and he’s also one of the most athletic. His physical tools make him a prime candidate to help replace Sammie Coates as the team’s vertical deep threat.

“I think he’s gotten stronger this year, that’s the big thing,” Lashlee also said prior to the bowl game. “If he could just put on some weight in the upper body and be a little bit more physical, he’s got all the ability in the world.”

A rising junior, it’s time for Stevens to put his ability and his physical tools to use on Saturdays.

Next: Marcus Davis

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

Sep 7, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Jaylon Denson (89) gets tackled by Arkansas State Red Wolves defensive back Sterling Young (11) at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

Stanton Truitt and Jaylon Denson

Following the rising juniors and seniors in the receiving corps is a trio of young players and a former starting quarterback that made little to no impact in the passing game last season for the Tigers.

Stanton Truitt proved to be too fast and explosive to redshirt in 2014, but he saw action in just three games. The 5-foot-9, 175-pound wideout had two catches for 13 yards before being shut down with a shoulder injury that required surgery.

The Tigers have applied for a medical redshirt for Truitt and he’s likely to mix in at wide receiver, in the slot and possibly as a returner in 2015.

Rising senior Jaylon Denson played in 11 games last year, but didn’t catch a pass.

“Jaylon hurt his knee again in bowl practice we’re hoping to get them rehabbing and see what he can do,” head coach Gus Malzahn said in December. “He’s still with our team. He’s rehabbing. We’ll cross that bridge once we see how rehab goes.”

At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, Denson is one of the biggest targets in the group and could emerge as a key contributor if he can stay healthy.

Next: Myron Burton and Jonathan Wallace

Jan 3, 2014; Irvine, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jonathan Wallace (12) at practice for the 2014 BCS National Championship game against the Florida State Seminoles at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Myron Burton and Jonathan Wallace

Two more very intriguing options are redshirt freshman Myron Burton and rising senior Jonathan Wallace.

Burton has very good size at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He was a top-75 receiver nationally in the 2014 recruiting class according to 247Sports.

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“Myron Burton did some really good things,” Rhett Lashlee said following one of the first bowl practices in December. “I was really impressed by some things he did.

“He’s tough, he’s a competitor,” Lashlee said. “We take a guy who has been on scout team all year. He’s coming back over, and we’re calling plays and some of them he ran in fall camp and some of them he’s never heard of, so we’re kind of helping out with what to do.”

Wallace had more catches than Denson and Burton combined in 2014: One. He caught an 18-yard pass from Jeremy Johnson against Samford, and nearly hauled in a second one later in the game.

Despite starting four games at quarterback as a freshman in 2011, the 6-foot-2, 207-pound Phenix City native and all-around team player fell to fourth on the QB depth chart prior to the 2014 season and isn’t likely to climb any higher in 2015.

“We’ll reevaluate everything after the bowl,” Malzahn said in December. “Jonathan can play quarterback. He’s really coming on at wide receiver.”

Next: Darius Slayton and Ryan Davis

Jan 1, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Quan Bray (4) and defensive back Trovon Reed (25) celebrate during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half in the 2015 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Darius Slayton and Ryan Davis

Even with the loss of two of the team’s top three receivers from the 2014 season, Gus Malzahn and Rhett Lashlee will have plenty of options in 2015 – and they added two more on National Signing Day.

A four-star wideout from Norcross, Georgia, Darius Slayton flipped to Auburn from his home state Bulldogs less than 24 hours to Signing Day. The 6-foot-1, 182-pound speedster committed to Georgia primarily because he wanted to play receiver instead of defensive back, and prior to that point the Tigers saw Slayton as a corner.

However, as push came to shove, Malzahn and Lashlee convinced the Greater Atlanta Christian product he had a place on offense and a chance to compete for playing time.

The coaches also received great news on Signing Day when Ryan Davis St. Petersburg, Florida native Ryan Davis chose the Tigers over Florida. A high school quarterback with explosive playmaking ability, Davis is built in the Quan Bray and Marcus Davis mold – but with an even higher ceiling.

Listed at 5-foot-9 and 167 pounds, Davis was also a four-star prospect in the class that was ranked among the top 200 players nationally in the 247Sports Composite.

Both players have big-time talent and should push for early playing time – giving the Auburn football team a wealth of options at receiver and plenty of opportunity for new faces to grab the spotlight.

Next: 2015 Auburn Recruiting Class Player Profiles

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Nicholas Ian Allen