We are only days away from the NFL draft and it’s time to start narrowing down talent from all rounds. Some of the greatest players of all time were drafted in the later rounds of the draft. I managed to get an exclusive interview with Arthur Ray Jr., an offensive lineman prospect from Division II Fort Lewis. Ray is flying under the radar and has the potential to be a dominant NFL talent.
He originally was supposed to spend all of his college football years on a scholarship at Michigan State, but he was diagnosed with bone cancer after singing day.
Ray is not like his fellow prospects, he has had a much tougher route than them. Ray had a god given talent and almost had it stripped away from him. He had to his way back to into football shape, recovering from four leg surgeries. Ray is now playing football at a very high level and is fully recovered. He knows what it’s like to be hungry and proved it by fighting his way back into being that same player he was before.
While most NFL scouts would see all of this as a disadvantage, I see it as a pure advantage. Ray is probably one of the most hungry players in the draft. Having heart is one of the most important talents to have no only in football but in life.
Ray was a two-year captain at Fort Lewis, a two-time All-RMAC conference player, and the 2011 Discover Card and Orange Bowl courage winner. Personally, I think the New York Giants should draft him or sign him as an undrafted free agent. Ray is a true diamond in the rough. He knows what it’s like to go the distance.
The Giants are no strangers to giving players chances after unfortunate events like this, Giants’ linebacker Mark Herzlich was also diagnosed with bone cancer at one point in his career. He turned out to be a fine addition to the Giants’ defense.
Here is the interview:
Anthony Sciarratta: Why do you think an NFL team should take a chance on you? What could you bring to the table if a team calls?
Aruthr Ray: An NFL team should take a chance on me because they are going to get a player with a chip on his shoulder, who will bring an attitude and high effort every time he steps on the field.
I can play all three interior positions, which I have experience playing at Michigan State and Fort Lewis.I played both Tackle positions at Fort Lewis to prove my athleticism in space and one on one blocking.
I have faced major adversity in my life with great conviction and faith I have fought through it all. As a man I bring good character traits into the organization and I will not be a problem off the field. My film proves that I can play at a high level, and that my leg is 100%, so all I need is a chance to prove that and I am sure no team will regret it.
AS: What motivates you to keep pursuing a career in the NFL?
AR: My heart, pain, failures all motivate me to keep going. Not letting my dream die is something that I always thought about during the days I was sick. We live in a world where people are so negative, and they are so busy being “realistic” they never truly find out what they are made of because of fear.
When my head was bald I knew in my heart that I wasn’t done, even on my worst days it was a voice in my head that told me to keep going. Spending two years on crutches, learning to walk, run and play this game again have all been tests.
I’ve passed all of them and now my eyes are on the prize, my childhood dream. With everything I have overcome to get to this point I feel that nothing can stop me at this point but me, and my mental state. I love this game with everything in me and I would be honored to represent the NFL as a player.
AS: Do you think you will be comfortable playing another position on offensive line besides guard?
AR: Playing another position besides guard definitely won’t be a problem for me. I definitely feel with my skill level, traits, and overall football IQ that I can definitely play the center position.
I have experience playing center at MSU, as well as Fort Lewis so the transition would not be a difficult one at all. Center’s lead the offensive line and I feel that I possess those intangibles that I can play that position at the NFL level.
AS: The New York Giants need help on offensive line, how would you feel if they called you?
AR: I would jump for joy as I would if any team in the NFL calls me with an opportunity. I would be so excited and ready to get to work and prove myself.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for quite sometime now, and I would be filled with so many different emotions. I actually spoke with Giants scout after my pro day and he had positive things to say about me and my performance, but if the Giants call I will definitely be excited and ready to begin my NFL career in New York.
Next: New York Giants: Top 3 Draft Prospects To Target
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