Rayshawn Pleasant leads Auburn secondary: 'We're a family'

AUBURN, Ala. – Head coach Alex Golseh says fifth-year cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant is one of Auburn’s “smartest, toughest, best players.”

The most seasoned member of Auburn’s secondary, Pleasant embraces his leadership role.

“I knew I had the most experience coming back,” he said. “I put a chip on my shoulder every day showing these boys how I work and how I approach every day. I pray that those boys see that it’s all about your process and what you’re doing on a daily basis. When the game comes, God is going to handle the rest.”

In his Auburn debut against Baylor in the 2025 season opener, Pleasant returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown to help the Tigers beat the Bears 38-24.

After ranking second in the SEC last season with 412 kick return yards and a 24-yard average, opponents are avoiding Rayshawn’s returns through touchbacks and by kicking away from him. 

“Can’t do anything about it,” said Pleasant, who’s averaging 21.8 yards this season on four returns. “I can continue to make the opportunities count when I do get them, continue to work on everything I have to work on. When the opportunity presents itself, make the most of it.”

This week’s opponent – Arkansas – brings back Pleasant memories for Rayshawn. 

“Being hungry, knowing I had to make something happen for the team,” Pleasant recalled about Auburn’s back-and-forth game in Fayetteville last season. “We were going through a stretch where it was hard for us to get some wins, so I knew our position group had to step it up to give us a chance.”

Step up he did. Pleasant’s 49-yard interception return touchdown gave Auburn a fourth-quarter lead in the Tigers’ 33-24 comeback win over the Razorbacks. 

“One play like that can change the whole trajectory of the game,” said Pleasant, who added a second interception four minutes later to secure Auburn’s victory and earn Thorpe Award national defensive back of the week honors. 

Pleasant gets another crack at the Razorbacks Saturday at 11:45 a.m. CT, this time on Pat Dye Field.

“I want to do what I do,” he said. “It’s another game. I’m going to try to do anything I can to help the team win. Every time you go in Jordan-Hare, there’s a sense of pride you’ve got to play with.” 

Pleasant tied his season high with four solo tackles in Auburn’s win at No. 1 Georgia on Oct. 17, a rivalry victory that validated Rayshawn’s belief in his team’s potential.

“It shows we can play with anybody,” Pleasant said. “We can beat anybody in the country when we have a great week of practice and approach the game the right way. We’re coming off a couple losses to great opponents, people are against us, but we’ve been here before.”

After Auburn’s 27-24 triumph over Georgia, Pleasant reminded his teammates about the process that led to the result.

“Like I told those boys, we’re a program built off work, not success,” Pleasant said. “Attacking the practice field every day with the right mindset. It’s about our culture over our scheme and talent.”

Heading into the season’s final month, Pleasant stays even-keeled. 

“All we have to do is control what we can control,” he said. “That’s coming out here, giving it our all and playing for each other.”

A high school running back in Monroe, Louisiana, Pleasant did not become a full-time defensive back until his freshman season at Tulane in 2022.

“I’ve been sticking it out ever since,” said Pleasant, who transferred to Auburn last year. “I fell in love with it ever since. I love the challenge. Your back’s against the wall; you’re on an island. Your team expects you to hold your one-on-one. I embrace that.”

Switching from offense in high school to defense in college required a learning curve. 

“Playing with technique, keeping my feet hot, playing with good eyes and letting my natural athletic ability take over by have great tech,” Pleasant said. “I feel like I’m a man-to-man corner. That’s what I do.”

Pleasant played two seasons at Tulane after redshirting in 2022 before arriving on the Plains a year ago.

“I felt like it was the best opportunity for me to be at a big stage,” Pleasant said. “It has always been my dream to play big-time college football. I feel like this place is the best opportunity for that.”

With five career non-offensive touchdowns, Pleasant leads all active FBS players. Whether on defense or special teams, “Big Play Ray” remains ready to produce for the program that afforded him the opportunity to showcase his talents on college football’s biggest stages.

“The brotherhood they’re forming here,” Pleasant said. “The relationships we’ve built with players and coaches. Knowing we’re not just a team, we’re a family.”

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