University of Kentucky senior running back Ray Davis has added another accolade to his impressive resume, earning a spot on Sports Illustrated’s All-America Second Team it was announced Thursday. The national recognition comes just days after Davis announced on social media that he will suit up for the Wildcats in their upcoming TaxSlayer Gator Bowl on December 29th.
Davis, a 5-foot-10, 216-pound graduate transfer from San Francisco, enjoyed a prolific season for the Wildcats. He accumulated 1,066 rushing yards on 186 carries, finding the end zone 13 times. His rushing total ranked third in the SEC (second among running backs), while he also added 317 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns on 29 catches.
Davis’ stellar performance on the field translated into several accolades. He finished the regular season as Kentucky’s single-season record holder in both touchdowns (20) and scoring (120 points). These impressive stats also led him to become the SEC leader in both categories. Additionally, he currently sits 13th on the program’s all-time single-season rushing yards list.
This season marked a remarkable milestone for Davis, as he became the only active player – and potentially the only one in NCAA history – to total at least 1,000 rushing yards at three different Division I schools, having also achieved that feat at Temple and Vanderbilt. He also holds the distinction of being the first player in SEC history to have 1,000-yard rushing seasons at two different league schools, with his 1,042-yard performance for Vanderbilt last season paving the way. Notably, Davis’ career rushing total of 3,563 yards places him fourth among active players in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.
One of Davis’ most memorable performances came against Florida, where he rushed for a staggering 280 yards and tied a school record with four rushing touchdowns. This dominant display earned him national recognition as he was named Player of the Week by two organizations.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Davis has also excelled in academics. He graduated from Vanderbilt in 2022 with a degree in communications studies and is set to receive an undergraduate certificate in business from UK next Friday.
With the postseason accolades and his decision to play in the Gator Bowl, Davis’ remarkable career at Kentucky will come to a fitting conclusion. His athletic prowess and dedication have left a lasting impact on the program, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Wildcat running backs.
