Before the 2013 season, Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and special teams coach Scott Fountain were looking for someone to step up on special teams and emerge as a playmaker.
Chris Davis, entering his senior season, has filled that special teams role as well as locking down his starting position at cornerback.
Davis has battled through an ankle injury at the start of the 2013 season, which included him missing some playing time, but the senior has looked near 100 percent the past few games.
In the Tigers' trip to face Tennessee in Knoxville, Davis showed just how explosive he could be as a punt returner, giving Auburn some needed momentum in a game that was fairly close in the first half.
With the score tied at 13 in the second quarter, Davis muffed a punt at the 15-yard line, but then picked it up and raced 85 yards for a touchdown.
"I saw that I still had time to pick it up and run with it," Davis said. "Punt returners are going to drop the ball; you see it happen in the league, and you've still got a chance to take it to the house."
Throughout his Auburn career, Davis has said he has been waiting for his chance to shine on special teams. With Malzahn taking over as head coach, he was given the opportunity this season.
"Chris Davis is a veteran guy and you could see he made some great moves," Malzahn said. "He didn't dance around, he made a couple of really great moves and had enough speed to take it to the house."
In addition to giving Auburn an edge on special teams, Davis is second on the team in total tackles with 47. He brings a physical presence to an Auburn defense that has improved to become one of the top red zone units in all of college football.
Davis' absence was noted by teammates when he missed playing time at the first part of the season.
"Whenever Chris is on the field you get an extra spark on that island over there," safety Josh Holsey said. "You know that teams really don't like to throw his way because he's really a lockdown corner."
Davis was eager to be back on the field after his injury and expressed his frustration on missing playing time.
"It's frustrating when you get hurt, but I'm just happy to be back here with my team, to contribute the best way I can," Davis said.
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