Kentucky running back Ray Davis is a versatile and productive playmaker in the 2024 NFL Draft. Davis enjoyed an extremely impressive campaign in 2023 after transferring to Kentucky from Vanderbilt. Davis ran for 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns, establishing himself as a dominant back in the SEC.
Davis recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his decision to enter the transfer portal, being a three-down back that can catch and play in pass protection, and so much more.
JM: You enjoyed a career-best season at Kentucky in 2023, rushing for a personal high of 1,129 yards and 14 TDs. What led to the productive season?
Ray Davis: I really locked in. I was extremely focused on the upcoming season. I had a lot to prove entering 2023. I wanted to showcase different aspects of my game, like catching and running the ball. I also did a better job in pass protection.
It was really just about getting in the lab and working to improve my game. I had to get comfortable with the uncomfortable. I had to do things I wasn’t normally used to doing. I stuck to perfecting my craft. I put in the work to achieve exactly what I needed to achieve this year.
JM: How do you look back on the decision to transfer from Vanderbilt to Kentucky? It obviously worked out perfectly for you.
Ray Davis: It was hard. It was a very difficult decision. Being at Vanderbilt for two-plus seasons, we were able to win some games, but we also had some heartbreaking losses at the same time. It was very hard to leave that group of guys. I went to war with my teammates at Vanderbilt, and we grew very close.
I had to put my needs first. You have to do that sometimes when taking care of yourself. At that moment, it was time for me to transfer. Kentucky was the right spot for me to bring my talents to. Kentucky gave me a chance to be a dominant factor on what was already a very good offense.
JM: You were arguably the best RB at this year's Senior Bowl. What do you think you proved to NFL GMs and scouts?
Ray Davis: I just wanted to go out there and have fun. It was another amazing opportunity to play football. I showcased my ability to catch the football out of the backfield. I proved that I’m a legitimate three-down threat. I can run the ball, catch it, and play in pass protection.
I had a lot of fun in Mobile. I showcased terrific hands at the same time.
JM: When I turn the tape on, I see a running back with outstanding patience and vision. How did you develop those aspects of your game?
Ray Davis: That always came naturally to me. I had those abilities as a kid growing up. If you watched any of my older tapes, you’d see the same thing. I think I got that from my dad. He had great vision and patience as well. That’s all genetics (laughs).
It became about enhancing it and making it better. I have to be responsible when deciding to make those cuts. It’s about using my skill set to my advantage. I make the right decisions when necessary.
JM: You're also really good in the passing game. We’ve touched on that a little. Talk to me about being a versatile threat. RBs have to catch passes nowadays.
Ray Davis: It’s a necessary part of our game. There’s no more traditional running back. It’s not about getting the ball 30 times a game and running it up the middle anymore. We have to be a reliable asset in all three phases of the game.
That means we have to run the ball, catch it, and play in pass protection. That’s an area of my game I really worked on heading into this past season. I really wanted to showcase that out there.
I’ve wanted to catch the ball my entire life. I played multiple positions before running back. I played quarterback, and I even used to return kicks and punts. I played a bunch of positions that put the ball in my hands.
It was about perfecting my craft whether I’m catching or running the ball. I just wanted to be really good with the ball in my hands.
JM: Have you met with any NFL teams lately, whether in person or virtually?
Ray Davis: I’ve been enjoying that process. We’re taking things day by day. I’m staying where my feet are. I’ve met with a few teams, but I’m keeping the details private. I don’t want to get too ahead of myself. We’re going with the flow. We’ll see what God puts in front of me.
JM: We've really appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Ray Davis going to make at the next level?
Ray Davis: I just want to come in and continue to be a guy that defeats the odds. I want to prove everybody wrong. I’ve had that mindset growing up my entire life. I want to go out there and keep showcasing my abilities as a player.
As a person, I want to become a focal point as somebody that pushes my platform. For those who want to be in the position I’m in now, it’s about putting in the work. Once you get here, it’s obviously hard to stay here.
It’s about not being defined by my story. I want to come in and have a positive impact on the locker room and on the organization. I want to play football and win a bunch of games.
