SEC Defensive Line Player of the Week: Shane Ray

Ray has been named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week for the third time this season. Ray sacked Kentucky’s Patrick Towles twice in Mizzou Football’s 20-10 triumph over Kentucky on Saturday, the second of which was Ray’s 12^th sack of the season, eclipsing the school record established by NFL first-round pick and current San Francisco 49er Aldon Smith in 2009 and tied by Unanimous All-American Michael Sam in 2013.

Ray tacked on five tackles and a pass breakup in addition to the two sacks, both of which were registered on critical 4^th down plays. It was the fifth two-sack game this season for Ray, who now leads the SEC in the category, as well as tackles for a loss with 16. Ray also ranks second and third in the country in those categories, respectively.

Ray was also awarded the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week title after the September 27  game at South Carolina and the October 18 matchup at Florida. He also received the Defensive Player of the Week honor for his efforts against University of Central Florida on September 13.

Ray was named one of the 20 semifinalists for the 20^th Chuck Bednarik Award this season. He is also a semifinalist for the Rotary Lombardi Award, named for legendary coach Vince Lombardi, who was part of Fordham University’s renowned defensive line in the mid-1930s.