Try saying Ray Davis' name without saying 'Ray Davis'

Ray Davis had one hell of a game in his final performance as a Kentucky Wildcat. That’s why ESPN invited him onto College Football Live as their “Ultimate Performance” from rivalry week. Host Kelsey Riggs said, “I felt like I kept saying your name” over and over and over while reading highlights from Saturday.

It begs an important question: Can you say the running back’s name without saying ‘Ray Davis’?

Has a coach ever called him Ray? Did you ever shout at your television ‘Go Davis Go!’ during a big play?

Every time he is mentioned, Ray Davis is Ray Davis. The first and last name are always included, to the point that it even feels awkward to refer to him simply as “Davis” in an article.

It’s an odd phenomenon, but one we are familiar with here. In the long line of successful 1,000-yard rushers under Mark Stoops at Kentucky, most of the backs were talked about on a first and last name basis. Chris Rodriguez was only shortened to “C-Rod.” Benny Snell received similar treatment. It stuck with him into his professional career when Mike Tomlin referred to his style as “Benny Snell” football.

It’s an unusual trend, one that will certainly end if Demie Sumo-Karngbaye becomes the Cats’ primary ball-handler in 2024.

Ray Davis: Record Breaker and Saturday Ruiner

Ray Davis was featured on ESPN after tallying three total touchdowns in the Kentucky Wildcats’ stunning 38-31 victory over Louisville. By now, you probably know that his 20 touchdowns are a UK single-season record. Did you know he also set a new record for total points scored in a season?

It’s a list that prominently features kickers, but Benny Snell previously held that mark after scoring 19 total touchdowns in 2017. RD1’s fourth quarter, game-winning touchdown gave him 120 points on the season, surpassing Snell’s mark by four points.

Ray Davis had 13 rushing touchdowns, ranking second in the SEC, along with seven receiving touchdowns, leading Kentucky and tying for the sixth-most in the league. While the talented runner appreciates the accolades, that was not the most rewarding moment from Saturday’s victory over Louisville.

“Definitely at the end seeing my teammates hold up the Governor’s Cup and see the smile on everybody’s faces. To be able to go out there and ruin a lot of people’s Saturdays and bring home the trophy was one of the best feelings I’ve had,” he told ESPN.

During the brief interview, Ray Davis also shared why he decided to declare for the NFL Draft and forego a bowl game appearance in a Kentucky uniform. Have a look.