Kentucky football running back Ray Davis declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Monday, becoming the second player to announce his departure from the program.
“This has always been a dream of mine and is a challenge I’m ready to take on,” Davis said in Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter, posts. “After long talks with my family and friends, I will be declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. Forever the underdog.”
Davis joined Kentucky during the offseason between the 2022 and 2023 campaigns, departing Vanderbilt through the transfer portal.
Taking over for Chris Rodriguez Jr., who himself set program records at Kentucky, when he left for the NFL, joining the Washington Commanders, Davis made history in Lexington despite just being a Wildcat for one season.
Davis rushed for a combined 1,066 yards on 186 carries, averaging 5.7 yards per carry, scoring 13 touchdowns on the ground.
Linking up with quarterback Devin Leary, Davis also had 317 receiving yards for seven touchdowns, an average of 10.9 yards per reception.
His total of 20 touchdowns broke the single-season touchdown record previously set by Benny Snell Jr.
In Kentucky’s last game, a 38-31 win over No. 10 Louisville on the road, Davis rushed for 76 yards with 51 receiving yards, recording one touchdown on the ground and two from the air.
Davis had arguably his best game of the season in week five, all but single handedly propelling the Cats to a 33-14 victory over then No. 22 Florida.
Against the Gators Davis rushed for 280 yards, recording three touchdowns, while also recording a receiving touchdown in the game.
Finishing his career as one of the best backs to come through Lexington despite the small sample size, Davis will test his luck in the 2024 NFL Draft where he hopes to join the likes of Rodriguez Jr. and Snell Jr. in getting selected.
The 2024 NFL Draft is set to begin April 25, 2024, from Campus Martius Park in Hart Plaza of Detroit, Michigan.
Kentucky football will still have a bowl game remaining on the schedule, with a location and time to be announced. Davis’ participation in the bowl game is to be determined.
Sports editor Cole Parke can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter/X @ColeParke_wsc
