'He deserves it': 165 career catches for record-setting Ryan Davis

'He deserves it': 165 career catches for record-setting Ryan Davis'He deserves it': 165 career catches for record-setting Ryan Davis
Wade Rackley/Auburn Athletics

Ryan Davis (23) Auburn at Georgia on Saturday, Nov 10, 2018 in Athens, GA.Wade Rackley/Auburn Athletics

ATHENS, Ga. – Ryan Davis tied Auburn's career receptions record on the first play against Georgia, broke it on the next drive, then spent the rest of the night making sure the next record-holder will have his work cut out for him.

"It means a lot," said Davis. "I put a lot of hard work in to get to this point. I definitely didn't do it by myself. It's something you dream about. You definitely want to leave your mark when you come in as a recruit."

On Auburn's first play, Davis tied Courtney Taylor (2003-06) with career catch No. 153, a 10-yard gain.

On the Tigers' second drive, Jarrett Stidham and Davis teamed up for three straight completions, with record-breaking No. 154 netting 9 yards with 5:14 left in the first quarter.

The celebration consisted of Davis lining up for the next play, with Stidham immediately going back to Davis for 6 yards, plus 15 more after an unnecessary roughness penalty.

The stoppage in play allowed Auburn's equipment staff to secure the football for a keepsake.

For the third consecutive play, Davis made a reception, gaining 7 yards to Georgia's 9, setting up Auburn's touchdown on the next play.

"I gave him a big congratulations on the sideline," Stidham said. "He's worked as hard as anybody can work. He deserves every bit of recognition that is thrown his way. I can't speak enough about Ryan Davis. He is the epitome of what an Auburn football player is and what it should like. I'm just happy and blessed to be his teammate."

In a tweet posted on Auburn Football's account, Taylor congratulated Davis.

"I've heard nothing but great things about you," said Taylor, a fan favorite who played a key role on Auburn's undefeated 2004 SEC Championship team. "How hard-working you are, how such a humble man you are. To pass the torch to another great Auburn man is truly an honor for me."

Davis had six catches for 50 yards in the first half. He finished with a career-high 13 for 72 yards, giving him 165 for his career.

"Ryan Davis is a special player," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "He's meant so much to us. That's a big record. He deserves it. He's a wonderful person. He's a great competitor. And he's electric with the ball in his hands."

On Auburn's final drive, Davis and Stidham became Auburn's most prolific passing tandem with 141 career completions, one more than Auburn greats Pat Sullivan and Terry Beasley (1969-71).

"They're Auburn legends," Davis said. "To be mentioned in a breath with those two guys says a lot."

Davis has caught passes in 24 consecutive games. He will be honored with Auburn's 15 other seniors Saturday when Auburn plays its final home game vs. Liberty at 3 p.m. CT.

"I hope I'll be remembered as one of the best to come through here," Davis said. "I'll leave that to everybody else. I feel like I left my mark."

Reflecting on his Auburn legacy, the 5-foot-9 Davis wants to blaze a trail for other smaller receivers.

"I came in with my own style of play, something different," he said. "People probably don't think smaller receivers get in the record book. Hopefully that will change the narrative for other smaller receivers that you can come in and do the same thing I did.

"It's always about building for the next generation. Hopefully recruits will come in, see that I did it and hopefully they can come in and do the same thing and do things better. Obviously, I hope my record stays up for the longest time, but you obviously you want to see the program get better. Guys making plays, and numbers going up. That's how you know the program is moving in the right direction."


Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer