Vicky Graff Photo
He’s been named a second-team all-American by Sports Illustrated and a first-team all-Southeastern Conference running back by the Associated Press and USA Today. He’s also earned an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas Feb. 1.
Kentucky star Ray Davis knows those honors are the result of the offseason work he did after transferring from Vanderbilt to Kentucky.
“Truthfully these (honors) were just added motivation because of last season. I was not on any watchlists at Vanderbilt. I was on nothing,” Davis said. “That gave me added motivation to work and be the dominant player I knew I was but the whole world did not know yet.
“It was time to wake the world up to who Ray Davis is. All those awards are nice but for me, I was thinking about all those times everyone doubted me. I got the awards because of the work in the summer and trying to show people that I am that player.”
Davis ran for 1,066 yards and 13 touchdowns on 186 carries this season and also had 29 catches for 317 yards and seven scores. He set UK single-season records with 20 touchdowns and 120 points — and led the SEC in both categories.
He previously had 1,000-yard rushing seasons at Temple and Vanderbilt and is the first player in NCAA history to have 1,000-yard rushing seasons at three different schools.
Davis has announced he will end his collegiate career to pursue a chance to play in the NFL. However, he will play in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on Dec. 29th in Jacksonville.
“For me it is about finishing what I started. These guys are family for me,” Davis said. “This is a chance to try and hoist another trophy (like UK did with the Governor’s Cup when it beat Louisville).
“It’s a good group and I want to be out there one more time and win and do this for the city of Lexington. I want to come back a year from now and know I have done something for these people.”
Davis said it had been “surreal” from the day he arrived in Lexington and just went to work to show teammates and coaches what he could do.
“The guys kept me humble and in good spirits,” Davis said. “Same thing with the staff. It was a great work environment to be out there having fun and playing the game I always loved since I was 8 years old. I could not walk away.”
It’s no surprise Davis said he will always remember his 280-yard, three-touchdown game against Florida that earned him National Player of the Week honors.
“That’s a performance I never thought of doing but my O-line and coaches were a big part of that, too,” Davis said.
However, he has other top memories that are not individual performance-related.
“The fans, the CatWalk, coming in before (games) and the end of games (leaving the field). These are loyal, die-hard fans who have been consistently coming out to Kroger Field for many years,” Davis said. “I enjoyed being part of that and being out there with teammates accomplishing things.
“We had some down moments and had to see how we would face adversity. Our team never folded and kept attacking.
“I will also always remember BBN being there and sticking with us no matter what.”
24 Responses
We know he is a good player, but he also sounds like a fine young man.
Indeed he is OldFan
Agreed. What a nice young man
Larry your article is the best I’ve read summarizing Ray Davis’ UK season. I’m sure he appreciates how you have put together his UK accomplishments and the work he has
put in to making this happen. And has UK ever had a more rounded player with such a productive season in only one year at UK?
Thank you John. He’s an amazing person/athlete
Ray is a special talent, and a great person. I’m just happy he came to Kentucky and has the chance to hear his name called during the draft. God’s speed Ray!!!
Davis is much faster than what I had expected. I’m Gator Bowl bound with many friends & family. Really thankful for the job Stoops has done. I have been to every bowl in Florida that UK has participated. Hopefully we get a victory. Go Cats!
Have a great trip Greg. Take time to visit St. Augustine while you are there
Does anyone know what time the cat walk will be in Jacksonville and on what side?
Thanks Larry. That is a great idea. I’ve watched the the local PBS channel about the historical presence of that area. Pretty unbelievable how people evolved back then.
Greg just like you I’m season ticket holder but only put in for the Florida games this year and got the great surprise Sunday afternoon when tickets landed in my account. My bro lives in St Augustine so I absolutely agree that you should go down there Mojo’s blackened seafood tacos are the best The amphitheater has lots of great music acts and the lighthouses worth the trip climb up. Osteen’s and barnacle bills for great datil pepper shrimp
I live in saint Augustine, I was born and raised in SE Kentucky and can’t wait to see them play in Jacksonville
That is perfect for you Donna. I don’t think time for Cat Walk has been announced yet
It’s a great area and the downtown is decorated so great at this time of year. So many great spots to eat there as well
Everyone should play in the bowl game, if you’re team makes the bowl! Just shows respect to the school and fans!
James I completely agree with you. back to when I went to the citrus Bowl and supported Josh Allen and love following him today but I don’t respect the QB down at Tennessee Titans, see I’ve even forgotten his name because he couldn’t respect UK enough to play in the bowl game last year. Glad that Ray is changed his mind and to give back to what UK is giving him
So nice to see Davis and all the Football Cats get good attention in the Bluegrass. Go Wildcats, beat the Tigers!
Selfishly, I want him to play in the bowl game. I hope nothing bad happens to him; The Cats collect The Gator Bowl Trophy & Ray goes on to have a successful NFL career!!
So what about that $10K that UK’s Coaches gave to Ray to persuade him to play in the Bowl Game? I’m sure that had absolutely nothing to do with him not turning his back on his teammates right👀. I’m sure it will be denied but it’s the truth!
Not sure where you got your info Jeno but would be interested in knowing because I have not seen that reported anywhere
Thanks doesn’t seem like enough
His name is Will Levis and he was hurt…I wouldn’t have played either being hurt and going into the NFL draft…How can u get mad at a player who performed so admirably all year long for not playing in the 1 game that means absolutely nothing for him and also a game we wouldn’t of even been seeing any part of if he had not been our QB for the year…that’s really selfish
Great article as always Larry! He does sound like a GREAT young man and one I am PROUD to say is a Wildcat! I tell you I like the kids that stoops Recruits, they all seem like good people. GO CATS!!
He really is Jeff