Add this one to the list.
SEC First-team, AP Defensive player of the year, SEC Defensive player of the year, and now… First team All-American. Defensive end Shane Ray has piled up the awards in 2014, and this is the latest honor given out by the Walter Camp Football Foundation to each player who is one of the best at their given position.
It’s safe to say Ray is the best defensive end in the conference. But in the country? That’s high praise.
South Bound & Down
The SEC’s leader in sacks and tackles for a loss has certainly made a case for all of these awards. The school record 14 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss led the country’s most premier conference in defensive end statistics. Like he did with his SEC Defensive player of the Year award, Ray follows in the footsteps of former Tiger Michael Sam, who was first-team all-American a year ago.
Ray was third in the country in total sacks, while ranking second among all defensive players in tackles for a loss. Thus, it’s no surprise he was recognized by the foundation here.
Shane Ray is the eighth player under head coach Gary Pinkel’s watch to get a First-Team All American nod, joining tight-end Martin Rucker (2007), Jeremy Maclin, All-purpose, (2007-2008), tight-end Chase Coffman (2008), wide receiver Denario Alexander (2009), place kicker Grant Ressel (2009), tight end Michel Egnew (2010) and Sam.
They will need Ray’s monstrous athleticism, back-breaking speed and hulk-like strength in the Tigers upcoming bowl game. After a week off from practice, the team will begin preparations for the New Years’ Day contest with the No. 25 Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 2015 Citrus Bowl.
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