Between competitions at running back and quarterback this offseason, the race to fill Chris Davis' return role was often overlooked.
That competition may be over after senior wide receiver Quan Bray's 55-yard punt return for a touchdown against San Jose State Saturday night.
"When the punter kicked it, I saw one of the guys was already down," Bray said. "I knew [Stephen] Roberts was going to hold the other guy off of me. Once the first man missed me, it was off to the races."
It was Bray's first career punt return for a touchdown and Auburn's first since Davis' return against Tennessee in 2013.
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said the coaching staff expects veterans to step up, which he said the confident Bray has done this season.
"When guys are seniors, they raise their level and we ask a lot of our seniors to do that, and I believe that he is definitely doing that," Malzahn said. "We have gotten a little better around all the specialists too. I'm very happy for Quan, he's very confident right now."
With three years of experience under his belt, Bray said his confidence is the result of becoming more comfortable on offense and special teams.
"Coming in my freshman year, they threw me in the fire in the South Carolina game," Bray said. "Ever since then, I've just tried to be the best player I can be, and I feel very comfortable."
As the other specialists gain confidence, Bray said the group has the same goal as the rest of the team--to be the best in the country.
"Our special teams are very important," Bray said. "We have play-makers that will make big plays. They are contributors, especially the punt return team who want to be the best in the nation."
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