Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ray Bush, LB, University of Toledo

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Ray Bush II

What is your Height/Weight?

6”3 236

What is your position?

LB/DE

Where do you play college football?

University of Toledo

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

10

How did you choose your school?

My mom just graduated from a nursing school in Toledo, wanted to stay in the city for support.

Where are you from?

Atlantic City

Who is your role model, and why?

Ray Lewis, because his belief was that his talent was God given but with relentless work, greatness can be achieved. And he played with a chip, a certain furiousness that people on my side of the ball can rally behind.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?
No

Did you play any other sports growing up?
I ran track in high school, specializing in the High hurdles and long jump

Did you play any other positions in football?

I played both inside and outside linebacker as well as a Stand-up defensive end and the Star position (hybrid linebacker)

At your position, what separates you from others?

My athleticism to play in zone/man schemes. Inside and outside the box, side line to side line with a strong understanding of the defense and its weaknesses

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for tendencies in route concepts for situations. I look for weaknesses and tells in the offense line and the best approach from a rushing/blitzing stand point.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

RB Doug Martin from Boise State in 2011

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

London Fletcher because he plays fast downhill on the run with an instinct on where the ball will come out. He plays with an immense motor and brings it every play. This describes my play on the field.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Losing my father when I was a freshman in High School and losing my little cousin Bear my freshman year of college. I learned that no matter how hard life seems, that anything can be done and I owe my family and my self every ounce of greatness that I can make happen in my life time. Life is too short not to give everything you have for what you love or the ones you love.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I write my father’s dates on my left wrist tape and my cousins on my right. Just a reminder of why there is no need to leave anything in the tank. Exhaust everything! I owe it to myself and to my family whose name is on the back of my jersey

What is your biggest strength?

I can make the guys I play with match my tenacity. If you play with fire people around will follow suit and soon it becomes second nature.

What is your biggest weakness?

Not the biggest speech guy, I won’t be the leader to get the guys rallied through tough speeches.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

My ability, my enthusiasm, and my work ethic will speak louder than any words I can say to you, opportunities are always given but only the ones who stay ready can take those opportunities and live em

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Philadelphia Eagles. Donavan McNabb

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My Pops, my little cousin Bear, and Ray Lewis