Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky
Size:
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 211 pounds
Arm Length: 30 1/4"
Hand Size: 8 7/8"
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-SEC (2023)
“Ray Davis is a talented and scheme-versatile running back with pass-catching reliability and upside.”
Strengths:
Great vision
Patient running style
Pass-catching upside
Low center of gravity
Concerns:
Pass protection technique
Only adequate explosiveness
Long speed/second gear
Film Analysis:
Ray Davis has a natural lower center of gravity and uses it well. He runs hard and behind his pads. Davis will lower his shoulder with a full head of steam to run through would-be tacklers. Davis’ contact balance is above average, he can bounce or pinball off defenders if he is not properly wrapped up.
Davis displays good nuance as a runner with a good feel for space. His footwork is a strength—he has quick bouncy feet to jump cut and exchange gaps between the tackles. In the open field, Davis reads and cuts off the upfield defender’s leverage. He forces missed tackles fairly well, accounting for 106 over the last two seasons.
Davis offers upside as a receiving threat out of the backfield. He can run options, texas/angle, screens, and more routes. He matches up well against linebackers in coverage. With his short-area quickness and quick footwork, Davis has real value on third downs.
Davis needs to improve his hand technique in pass protection—getting them fitted quickly and secured into the defender’s pads to help sustain the block. He can improve scanning the line of scrimmage for potential defenders leaking into the backfield, especially on check-and-release calls. Davis is not an overly explosive player. His burst/acceleration is adequate at best. Long speed is above average but do not expect him to run past many defenders and become an angle buster.
Davis projects as an adequate starter-level running back who can fit any offensive rushing attack. His scheme versatility, vision, contact balance, and bouncy footwork give him a path to a starting role. At worst, he’s an RB2 and a rotational piece.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Adequate Starter
Written By: Damian Parson
Exposures: Missouri (2023), Florida (2023), Georgia (2023), Alabama (2023), Vanderbilt (2023)
