Particle.news

Auburn Special Teams Lock Down Return Roles as Kicker Competition Persists

Transfers Eric Singleton Jr., Rayshawn Pleasant lead the return game, with kicking positions still unsettled.

Overview

  • Eric Singleton Jr., a Georgia Tech transfer, has been named Auburn’s frontrunner at punt returner after showing consistent ability to secure difficult catches.
  • Tulane transfer Rayshawn Pleasant has stood out as a kick-return option after he returned two kicks for touchdowns last season and earned preseason All-American honors.
  • A three-way battle at kicker features Alex McPherson, Towns McGough and Connor Gibbs, with coaches open to allocating short and long field-goal or kickoff duties situationally.
  • Transfer punter Hudson Kaak and veteran long-snapper Reed Hughes appear poised to start, providing early stability for Auburn’s special teams.
  • Additional return candidates like Malcolm Simmons and Bryce Cain remain under evaluation, with coaches prioritizing ball security and field-position traits before finalizing roles.