Hometown: Charleston, WV
Career: 1988-1991
Record: 29-16-1, Bowl Record: 0-2
Today, we take a look at one of the most massive linemen to
play at West Virginia University. John Ray stood 6’ 10” and weighed in at 320
pounds. The West Virginia native came to play for Coach Don Nehlen right as the
Mountaineers made a run at the National Championship in 1988. Ray was one of
the best recruits in the country that year, fielding many offers from big time
programs, but decided to stay home and play for the Mountaineers. He would
prove to be a valuable asset for the Mountaineers, helping to keep the team
competitive in the down years between Major Harris and Jake Kelchner.
Memorable Game: There were not too many majorly memorable
games during John Ray’s time as a starter. The one game that stands out to me
is the 1991 thrashing of the Terrapins in College Park, MD. The 1991 season marked
the inaugural Big East season for the Mountaineers. WVU had limped out to a 2-1
record with narrow victories over Bowling Green and South Carolina after an embarrassing
loss to Pitt in Week 1. The Mountaineers would make a statement in Week 4
against the Maryland Terrapins. The offense was moving the ball well in recent
weeks, but struggled with turnovers. That would all change against Maryland.
WVU ran up and down the field on the Terps, while doing a great job of
protecting the ball. Ray and the offensive line cleared the way for the
Mountaineer rushing attack to pile up 334 yards on the ground en-route to a
blowout 37-7 victory.
Competition: John Ray got the nod hear due to his incredible
stature, and the fact that he is the only notable player to wear #70 with a
picture online (granted this is an admittedly bad picture). Some other players
that you might remember at #70 include: Donnie Lindsey, Brad Hunt, and Travis
Garrett.
Teaser: Enough with these older linemen! Tomorrow we will
honor a relatively recent offensive lineman. Some might argue that I am making
the wrong pick tomorrow, but I feel that this player is worthy. If you want
justice, take it up with the court! I’m on a mission to make it to Hollywood
(or at least somewhat miniscule WVU message board fame) just like Jay and
Silent Bob! Maybe I need a freaking monkey?
(Warning video clip features explicit language)
A top high school recruit until an injury in his senior year. Non Nehlan gave him a scholarship anyway and they redshirted him to rehab him up to play. He had a major knee injury and it swelled up when he played or practiced hard and Nehlan was smart enough to cut his practice time close to games. Stuck out on the field due to his size. 6-6 guys looked small beside him.
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