How things have ‘come together’ for this Auburn wide receiver

By Peter Rauterkus | prauterkus@al.comAlex Golesh wanted to send a message to Keshaun Singleton before the A-Day scrimmage.Singleton is expected to be one of Auburn’s top players this season, but Golesh benched him to begin the spring game. It was a decision Golesh said was to “prove a point,” but the Tigers head coach didn’t describe what Singleton did to earn the minor punishment.Now, as Auburn nears the end of preseason camp, Golesh likes what he’s seeing from Singleton, but described his progress as something that needs to continue day-to-day.The versatile 6-foot-3 wide receiver came with Golesh from South Florida and was the Bulls’ most productive pass catcher last season. He caught 50 passes and led USF with 877 receiving yards.Fellow USF transfer Chas Nimrod has been described by coaches and players as the standout among Auburn’s receivers, but Singleton is expected to be just as important as he was for Golesh and Byrum Brown last season.Golesh knows what Singleton can do, even if he needs some hard coaching from time to time.“When his off-the-field process is right, he could be as special as anyone there is in the country,” Golesh said. “So, learning what it is every single day — how you take care of your body, how you study film, how much sleep you get, all of that, everything that goes into being an elite football player — it’s all come together for him this summer.”South Florida wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (11) celebrates his 66-yard touchdown against Florida with quarterback Byrum Brown (17) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Gainesville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)APGolesh said the things that have held Singleton back in the past have never been malicious. For Singleton, minimizing outside distractions is important, which Golesh said staying at a hotel during preseason camp helped with.“I make the joke about the dog and the cat,” Golesh said, referring to his comments before camp started about putting the team in a hotel. “My guy got a dog and a cat, walking at 3 in the morning. Chill with the dog, chill with the cat, and just play football. “There was no dogs or cats. Here you go. Keshaun’s playing at a high level.” Since this team started practicing in the spring, it’s been clear that Singleton is one of Brown’s favorite targets. The two have multiple years of experience playing together and were already connecting on timing routes in the spring.He might be quite as experienced or polished as Nimrod, but Singleton is expected to be one of Auburn’s top two receivers this season. At 6-foot-3, 220 pounds, he gives the passing game a unique weapon from a size and athleticism standpoint. Singleton’s measurables and connection with Brown made him a weapon in Golesh’s offense at USF last season. That’s not expected to change at Auburn.“He is playing at a high, high level. He is playing really confident,” Golesh said. “This entire team believes in him. So, I’m really proud of him, but that’s a day-to-day deal that he’s got to continue to go.” Peter Rauterkus is an Auburn Sports Reporter for AL.com covering football, basketball and all things Auburn sports. He joined AL.com in July 2024. Prior to joining the sports staff at AL.com, Peter spent time...