Quan Bray has saved his best season for last.
With only three career touchdowns coming into this year, Bray has a total of four in 2014's first four games, two receiving, and two on punt returns.
And he'll only get better from here.
Against Louisiana Tech, Bray had a career day, going for two touchdowns on three receptions for 91 yards, as well as a 76-yard punt return touchdown in the fourth quarter, to extend Auburn's lead over the Bulldogs to 38-10.
"He played great," offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee said. "That was one of his best all-around games he's had. He graded out and played well the whole game."
Following the game, Bray was named the SEC's Special Teams Player of the Week.
Bray said his performance against the Bulldogs, in large part, was in remembrance of his late mother, who passed away in 2011 after being shot by Bray's father during Bray's sophomore year.
Bray's father was sentenced to life in prison, and Bray went on to honor his mother on the field.
"I wish she could be here," Bray said. "But God does everything for a reason. I take that and let it be a strength for me."
Bray went on to say that "I know she's watching with a front-row seat and I know she'd love to be here."
Bray not only honors his mother through his play, but also on his gear.
"I've always got 'RIP Ma' on," Bray said. "Every time. Every game. Definitely. I give all."
Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said he is impressed with the way Bray has been playing so far this season, and asks all of the other seniors to play up to the same level.
"We ask our seniors to play the best they've ever played, and he's really been raising his level," Malzahn said. "I'm very happy for him and he's definitely raising his level."
Fellow offensive player Corey Grant has also noticed Bray's raised level of play and hard work.
"It was a great day for him and he's been working hard off the field and on the field," Grant said, following Bray's career day against La. Tech. "It's paid off because he's been doing everything right and working hard."
Through four games, Bray is the Tigers second-leading receiver, just behind newcomer Duke Williams, with six receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns, to go with this tow punt-return two TDs.
As the season kicks into gear and the Tigers start working through their grueling SEC schedule, Bray and the rest of the talented Auburn receiving corps will need to keep up the impressive display they've put on thus far this season.
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