As Auburn gears up for the 2025 football season, we’re taking a deep dive into the Tigers’ top returning players — based on their 2024 Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades. This segment of the countdown features four key contributors at positions Auburn will be relying on heavily: special teams, linebacker, wide receiver, and interior defensive line. Let’s break down the players ranked 28-25 on this year’s list.
#28 – Rayshawn Pleasant, DB/KR (Transfer from Tulane)
Rayshawn Pleasant’s value lies well beyond his position title. The Tulane transfer played 480 snaps last season and posted a 65.1 overall PFF grade, highlighted by a solid 69.9 in coverage. However, his tackling (54.7) and run defense (44.6) left plenty of room for improvement — he missed 9 tackles on the season.
Where Pleasant truly shines is special teams. His 75.8 kickoff return grade reflects a game-changing ability that’s already landed him on All-American and Walter Camp watchlists. With two kickoff return touchdowns and a 100-yard pick-six last season, Pleasant is poised to be a major field-flipping threat for Auburn. While there are questions about his fit in DJ Durkin’s defensive scheme, his speed and return skills make him a clear X-factor.
#27 – Demarcus Riddick (LB, Sophomore)
Riddick enters his sophomore campaign after logging 239 snaps and earning a 65.8 overall PFF grade in 2024. His physical tools pop off the screen — sideline-to-sideline speed, strength at the point of contact, and potential to impact all three downs.
Last year, Riddick was limited to a “rabbit” package as he learned the defense. He was mostly used in pass-rush and QB containment roles. He struggled in games against dual-threat QBs like Jalen Milroe and Marcel Reed, especially in the tackling department (worst PFF grades of the season). Still, there’s plenty of optimism. He graded well in coverage at times, including a strong 70.2 vs Missouri, and is expected to transition to the Will linebacker role vacated by Eugene Asante.
With a full offseason under his belt, Riddick’s growth into an every-down defender could be one of the breakout stories of 2025.
#26 – Horatio Fields, WR (Transfer from Wake Forest)
The 6’2″, 201-pound Wake Forest transfer steps into a loaded Auburn receiver room but brings key traits the Tigers desperately need. Fields played 671 snaps in 2024, catching 39 passes for 467 yards on 70 targets. His 66.3 overall PFF grade was buoyed by a dependable 60.8 drop grade and just three penalties on the year.
Fields isn’t flashy, but he’s reliable, especially in contested catch situations. He excels at high-pointing the ball and using his frame to box out defenders. While his run blocking leaves something to be desired, he’s the type of target that can be trusted on 3rd-and-medium and in the red zone. Whether he starts or rotates, Fields offers the type of physical receiving Auburn lacked in 2024.
#25 – Quientrail Jamison-Travis, DL (Senior)
Jamison-Travis brings both size (6’4″, 305 lbs) and experience to Auburn’s revamped interior D-line. In 321 snaps, he earned a 66.9 PFF grade, with a 62.8 in run defense and an impressive 67.6 pass-rush grade. He has a real shot to start at nose tackle, though he’ll be in stiff competition with players like James Ash, Dallas Walker IV, and true freshman Jourdin Crawford.
A former JUCO standout, Jamison-Travis is in a prove-it year — with NFL aspirations on the line. His ability to anchor the middle and generate interior pressure could be key in allowing Auburn’s defense to rotate more freely and give the offense more flexibility with tempo.
These four players might not be the highest-profile names on Auburn’s roster, but their roles are pivotal heading into the 2025 season. Whether it’s flipping field position, locking down receivers, stabilizing the run defense, or making clutch third-down grabs, this group will shape Auburn’s success in all three phases.
🏈 Stay Plugged In
The countdown continues every Monday as we move toward Auburn’s top contributors for 2024. Catch the full video breakdown on YouTube
and the Auburn Express podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Check out the previous Countdowns:
Follow The War Rapport:
🐦 X (Twitter)
📸 Instagram
