Marcus Davis in line to take over at slot, punt return

AUBURN – There has to be a secondary option for Jeremy Johnson to turn to.

It's a foregone conclusion D'haquille Williams, perhaps the best returning wide receiver in the country, is Auburn's top target. But who becomes the next option for Johnson is very much unsettled and a competition Marcus Davis hopes to have a say in as he heads into his junior year.

With the departure of Quan Bray from the slot and as a punt returner, Davis is in line to earn more reps both on offense and special teams.

"Marcus Davis is one of the more reliable players we have on offense," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. "He just does a lot of things right. He's made some big plays for us and I really believe this will be his year to take that next step."

Davis had 13 receptions for 92 yards and just one touchdown last season, a drop from his 23 grabs for 217 yards and a score as a true freshman, though he was targeted far less in 2014.

The 5-foot-9 180 pound Davis says his "biggest goal" for spring practice is actually claiming the punt return job, where he's been splitting reps with Jason Smith, Stephen Roberts and Gray King thus far.

"I feel like I'm a pretty good receiver," Davis said. "I'm just really focused on winning (the punt return) job and taking over that job."

Davis has big shoes to fill for Bray in both regards.

Bray's 18.1 yards per return ranked second nationally, though he barely failed to qualify statistically by NCAA measures, and he scored a pair of return touchdowns. He also had 39 catches for 471 yards and four scores, more than career total heading into last season.

"We're very similar," Davis said. "The same type receiver, really quick, and I feel like I can make plays in space like he did last year. I'm looking forward to doing that."

Davis' stature and speed – he says he ran a hand timed 4.4 seconds in the 40-yard dash last year – make him a natural fit to take over for Bray.

As Auburn sorts out which receivers to place where Davis and Ricardo Louis are both getting reps inside and outside.

The physicality required to create separation and go over the middle or taking hits down field from safeties is not a concern to Davis, who feels his route running is his best strength.

"I feel like I can get myself open no matter what the coverage is," he said. "No matter what. I feel like I can get open."

Davis calls his first career touchdown against Arkansas State in 2013 his favorite individual play to date, though his fourth down catch at Texas A&M and touchdown grab at Ole Miss are worthy of praise as well.

With a more pass oriented attack expected this season, Malzahn is confident Davis and the rest of the receiving corps will contribute more.

"I think overall we will have an emphasis on throwing the ball down the field, vertically down the field and doing things on the perimeter," Malzahn said. "Our receivers will get plenty of chances."

After having just two games with more than one catch last year compared to six as a freshman, Davis is expecting to have more opportunities this season.

"I think the offense can expand," Davis said.

He could have a big part in making it happen.