GET TO KNOW: Arthur Ray, OL, Fort Lewis College

NFL Draft Diamonds has teamed up with Joseph Muia a very solid up and coming scout, to put together a series for our readers called Get to Know. What this series will do is allow you to be a featured on our site, whether you are a freshman or a senior in college. This is a series to help get players at any school gain exposure. We always strive to assist players that have the passion to make it to the next level. So we hope you enjoy our series called GET TO KNOW. Today’s Get to know series will focus on Arthur Ray the massive offensive lineman from Fort Lewis College, and we feel at NFL Draft Diamonds, you will want to know all about him.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I ended up with over 30 scholarship offers in high school

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Michigan State because when I visited the campus it just felt like home and the perfect place for me to grow as a man and a player.

What were your goals for your senior year?

This season being a returning captain I just wanted to play up to the best of my abilities to lead my team to victory. I also wanted to prove to myself and a lot of people that I could still play at a high level.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

I’ve met with the Panthers, talked to the Jets, and my coaches told me that the Falcons had called asking about me. They all just told me the things they look for and what I needed to do this season to really have a chance at the next level

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I think what separates me is my aggressive nature on the field and my footwork. At offensive line you must play with “controlled aggression” and have the discipline enough to rely on the technique you practice day in and day out. I trained hard working on my feet and balance all off season and it definitely paid off this year.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

Far as preparation when I was not playing at State I really learned how to prepare for an opponent, learn his tendencies, habits, for example his pass rush moves or how he plays in the run game things that come from film study. Then I focus on more technical things like blitz tendencies and what fronts certain teams run to our formations. We are creatures of habit so the film study and on field preparation I feel is the beginning of playing well come game day.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Toughest player I faced in my career had to be going against Jerel Worthy in practice for Michigan State right when I first made my come back.

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

Jahiri Evans big physical and quick, definitely one of top guards in the NFL

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

I was diagnosed with bone cancer at the age of 17 in my lower left leg after signing my NLI to Michigan State. My journey has been long, hard, full of setbacks, failures, and heartache. It took me 4 years to get back on the field and play this great game that I love. In that time, I went through 9 surgeries related to the cancer and spent two years on crutches. Doctors told me I would never play football again, and I would be lucky to walk with my grandkids. Standing here now a 7 year cancer survivor and back to playing at a high level I can’t do anything but thank God. It took a lot of hurt, pain, and tears to get me to this point. I overcame my illness by not letting my dream die, and always telling myself even when I had a bald head and was on chemotherapy that my time would come. And that time has and I couldn’t be any happier

What system fits your style of play the best?

I played in a “Pro-Style” system at Michigan state lot of power run game, play action and different zone concepts. This year at Fort Lewis we run the “Pistol” offense so it is no huddle and alot faster calls at the line and a lot of inside and outside zone schemes. I think I can fit into any-style offense because I have played in two very different ones in my career.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength would be my work ethic, because nothing to this point has been handed to me and I feel I have accomplished so much because of my thought of not being denied.

What is your biggest weakness?

Biggest weakness would be sometimes I’m a little over aggressive on the field and it gets me into bad position or technique, I need to work on my patience a little more definitely.

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

I would say my name is Arthur Ray Jr. and I have been through a lot in my young life but nothing has stopped me. I am a cancer survivor, two-year team captain and I am capable of playing football at a high level if given an opportunity. I feel I can help your team greatly with my character and work ethic on and off the field.

Growing up, who was your role model?

Role Model would have to be my parents watching them sacrifice so much for me and my siblings.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

Favorite team gotta go with the hometown Chicago Bears and player would have to be Ray Lewis because of everything he embodies. Not only great athlete and leader but great person as well.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

2 Pac, Aaliyah, Jay-Z

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

A car