Despite a strong showing in the 2024 season, Auburn’s football team has made some big moves to shore up its cornerback position. The Tigers signed two starting-caliber players—Raion Strader from Miami (OH) and Rayshawn Pleasant from Tulane—through the transfer portal.
Head coach Hugh Freeze pushed for these additions. He wants to ramp up competition and make sure the team has real depth at a critical defensive spot.
Why Auburn’s Cornerback Position Needed Reinforcements
Last season, Kayin Lee and Jay Crawford delivered impressive performances at cornerback. Lee locked down his starting role by Week 1.
Crawford stepped up after injuries to Keionte Scott and Champ Anthony. He finished with the team’s second-highest coverage grade and allowed the second-lowest catch percentage in the SEC, according to Pro Football Focus.
Injuries and Depth Concerns
Still, those injuries exposed how thin Auburn was at corner. The Tigers just didn’t have enough reliable options.
Crawford, a freshman, had to step up fast. He handled it well, but the whole situation made it obvious Auburn needs more than two starting-caliber corners.
Creating Competition
Freeze keeps hammering home the need for competition. “We need competition, particularly at places like corner where you need four guys that can play,” he said.
By bringing in Strader and Pleasant, Auburn’s hoping to spark a competitive fire that pushes everyone to get better.
The New Additions: Raion Strader and Rayshawn Pleasant
Both Strader and Pleasant add real experience and skill to Auburn’s roster. It’s not just about plugging holes—it’s about raising the bar for the whole defense.
Raion Strader
Raion Strader comes over from Miami (OH), where he made a big impact last season. He racked up:
- 53 tackles
- 17 pass deflections
- 2 interceptions
He earned the 2024 MAC Cornerback of the Year honor. That says a lot about his skills and what he brings to the table.
Rayshawn Pleasant
Rayshawn Pleasant, who played at Tulane, brings his own set of credentials. In 2024, he logged:
- 35 tackles
- 3 pass deflections
- 1 interception
Pleasant also landed on the Walter Camp Preseason All-America Second Team as a kick returner. He averaged a wild 34.5 yards per return last season.
The Strategy Behind the Signings
Freeze isn’t just adding bodies—he’s building a culture of relentless competition. “If we truly want to get Auburn back to where it has to be, there has to be a level where every single kid buys into the standard all the time,” Freeze said.
This approach is about crushing entitlement and complacency. You can’t coast on last year’s stats or some NIL deal—at least, not on Freeze’s watch.
Experience and Skill
Strader and Pleasant bring real experience and talent. Their presence should push Lee and Crawford to keep their edge.
That kind of competition is what you want if you’re aiming for the top.
Eliminating Complacency
Freeze wants to make sure nobody coasts on past performances. “This is not a deal where some entitlement because I played well last year at times, or I got a certain NIL deal or revenue sharing deal that I’m entitled to something now,” he said.
It’s a mindset thing—everyone’s got to earn it, every single day.
Looking Ahead: Auburn’s 2025 Season
Auburn opens fall camp on July 29, prepping for the 2025 season. The Tigers kick things off against Baylor on August 29.
With Strader and Pleasant in the mix, Auburn’s defense looks a lot stronger heading into the new year.
Training and Preparation
This fall camp is going to be huge for getting the new guys up to speed and figuring out the best combinations. Expect a real battle for starting spots, with coaches watching every rep closely.
Season Opener Against Baylor
Auburn’s season opener against Baylor is shaping up to be a real test. It’s the first chance to see if the new guys actually fit in.
How will the extra competition impact the corners? We’ll find out soon enough.
Curious about Auburn’s recent signings or what the season could look like? Check out the full article on AL.com here.
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