Mark Stoops reacts to Ray Davis playing in Gator Bowl

Mark Stoops has a knack of getting his veterans to participate in bowl games during an era where many guys opt out, and that trend continued this season when Kentucky RB Ray Davis decided he would play in the Gator Bowl vs. Clemson.

Davis had a phenomenal season for the Wildcats after coming over from Vanderbilt, putting up even more numbers than he did with the Commodores and on less touches. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the ground with 1,066 yards on 5.7 yards per carry while also helping out greatly in the pass game with 29 catches for 317 yards, good for more than 10 yards per grab.

In year five, at his third different school, Davis finally broke out on the national stage and showcased his elite talent to plenty of NFL scouts — enough to where he felt good declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. And while he was initially unsure whether he’d play in a bowl, Ray Davis will ultimately suit up one more time for the Wildcats.

According to Coach Stoops, that just speaks to his team and the connection they have.

“I think our guys — independently, I mean, I’m sure they welcome Ray and want him to be a part of it. I think it says a lot about Ray, it says a lot about our team,” he said at this week’s press conference when asked about Davis’ decision — one that not everyone in the Kentucky running back’s position would make.

“You know, there’s other guys that are in the same boat that maybe have NFL opportunities and that are playing. And so, you know, again, it doesn’t surprise me. This is a really good group of guys, good team.”

Ray Davis recently declared for the 2024 NFL Draft

At the end of November, Davis officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, he announced via social media.

He released a statement on his declaration alongside the announcement:

“First and foremost, I want to thank God for the position he has put me in today,” Davis wrote. “To Big Blue Nation, thank you for showing me the best parts of college football. To the coaches and staff at Kentucky, thank you for allowing me to fine tune my skills and grow as a young man. To my teammates you will forever be my family.

“Thank you to Vanderbilt and Temple for taking a chance on me and molding me into the player and man I am today. This journey has led me to many blessings and greater things ahead. After long talks with my family and friends, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL draft. This has always been a dream of mine and is a challenge I’m ready to take on. Forever the underdog.”