Auburn's cornerback room faces significant changes with five players leaving via the transfer portal. Sophomore Blake Woodby aims to step up as a leader, while Rayshawn Pleasant returns after a solid season.
Auburn Wire's annual "Spring Breakdown" feature continues Tuesday with a look at Auburn's cornerbacks ahead of the A-Day game, which is set for Saturday at 2 p.m. CT in Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Auburn cornerback room was one of the position groups hit the hardest by the transfer portal, as five members from last year's room departed for new programs during the offseason. Two of the most notable names Auburn is replacing this season are Jay Crawford and Kayin Lee, who each allowed less than 60% of targeted passes to be caught last season. The pair also gave up just four touchdowns in 74 opportunities.
Sophomore Blake Woodby is one of the many candidates hoping to gain a larger role this season. Due to the many departures and new faces around the program, Woodby has quickly become a veteran despite playing just 76 snaps over six games last season, and he feels that he is in a great position to take a step forward and become a leader on defense. He recently spoke with the media about the expectations that come from trying to fill the shoes of those who have departed, and even provided a message for those who are concerned with the unit ahead of the season.
"It's kind of hard to replicate," Woodby said of stepping into a larger role this season. "But I believe I can do anything I put my mind to. I got the work ethic, I got the mindset, and I'm a football junkie. I'm going to do anything it takes to be the best; my counterparts in the (cornerback) room are just like that."
The cupboard, however, is far from bare in the cornerback room. Outside of Woodby, Rayshawn Pleasant returns to the field after making 16 tackles last season and allowing just 14 of 28 passes thrown his way to be caught, with one score given up in 292 snaps.
Auburn added five cornerbacks from the transfer portal during the offseason, with the most notable being UCLA transfer Andre Jordan Jr and Florida State transfer Shamar Arnoux. Jordan started the final eight games of the season for UCLA and played 553 snaps total. While on the field, he made 19 total tackles and swatted 10 passes while allowing just 51% of passes his way to be caught. Arnoux, as a freshman at Florida State, played 345 snaps over 11 games. He ended the season with 27 tackles and a pass deflection while allowing two touchdowns in 24 opportunities.
Who else has the chance to step up and play a major role in the cornerback unit this season? Get to know the Auburn cornerback room ahead of A-Day by checking out each profile below.
Auburn Tigers defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns a kick as Auburn Tigers take on Kentucky Wildcats at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. Kentucky Wildcats defeated Auburn Tigers 10-3.
AUBURN, AL - April 05, 2025 - Auburn Defensive Back Blake Woodby (#12) during spring practice at the Woltosz Football Performance Center in Auburn, AL. Photo by Austin Perryman
Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators running back Jadan Baugh (13) rushes with the ball past Florida State Seminoles defensive back Shamar Arnoux (15) during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
Notre Dame wide receiver Scrap Richardson during a football practice at Irish Athletic Center on Thursday, July 31, 2025, in South Bend.
Union County Fightin' Tigers Gavin Jenkins (3) breaks up a pass intended for Hawthorne Hornets wide receiver Alvon Isaac (2) as the Hawthorne Hornets takes on the Union County Fightin’ Tigers at Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, FL on Friday, October 13, 2023. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]
Nov 22, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. (2) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Omari Evans (5) during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: Examining the new look cornerback room ahead of A-Day
Auburn is replacing Jay Crawford and Kayin Lee, who both had strong performances last season.
The cornerback room has been heavily impacted by the transfer portal, losing five players, which creates a need for new leadership and performance.
Blake Woodby played 76 snaps over six games last season and aims to take on a larger role and become a leader in the cornerback unit this year.
Rayshawn Pleasant made 16 tackles and allowed only 14 of 28 passes thrown his way to be caught, giving up one touchdown in 292 snaps.
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