One of the deepest position groups for Auburn football heading into the fall is the secondary. With around 20 guys competing for playtime throughout the offseason, it has made for a challenging fall camp.
Former Tulane defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant is one of those guys competing for playtime, but the chance to challenge himself and improve his game was one of the biggest reasons why he decided to transfer in and play for Auburn football.
"The reason why I chose here is because I just wanted to challenge myself to play at the highest level," Pleasant said, per Auburn Undercover. "I just saw what Coach Freeze was building here with the staff and the players he brought in. I just wanted to challenge myself to take that next step in my game to be where I want to be."
During his first two seasons at Tulane, Pleasant's primary role was as a kick returner, and he has been looking to expand and improve upon his skill set on the Plains. Fitting in at the cornerback position, Pleasant has been playing behind expected starters Jay Crawford and Kayin Lee, and he said the competition among teammates has only been a plus.
"Well, there's another reason, part of my reason for coming here," he added about the other guys in the room. "I just wanted to be forced to be at my best each and every day. Everybody in that room, great players. They're great people. And they push me, we all push each other. Like, there's no envy in the room. We're all going towards the same mission. Push each other each and every day."
While he has made big improvements to his game as a cornerback, Auburn football fans can still expect to see Pleasant making big plays as a kick returner for the Tigers this fall.