Reliable, ready Ray loves football

If Brian Ray III is one thing, it's reliable. The Folsom High senior has a great head on his shoulders and when the chips are down, Folsom High's sophomore quarterback Ryder Lyons searches for his mature senior receiver. Lyons and Ray hooked six times during Folsom's 42-21 win over Oak Ridge on Friday night, good for 163 yards and three touchdowns. "Brian is an incredible football player and he's everything we want out of kids who attend Folsom High School," Folsom football coach Paul Doherty said. "He's positive; he's humble and he has zero ego and he's well-liked. He's grateful for every opportunity he gets and he's giddy for any success he gets. He doesn't take anything for granted, and he's a team player." Folsom Telegraph: What are your hopes/plans for after graduation? x Brian Ray III: After high school I will be playing football at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where I hope to study engineering (automotive and weapons systems) and be able to serve my country post graduation. FT: Do sports run in your family? BR: In my family sports go as far as my Uncle Al (Blue), who was a DB, and played for Alabama in the early 80s and my Uncle John (Blue), who was also a DB, and played for Georgia Tech in the 70s. So football runs in the family, but the funny thing is I'm the only wide receiver. FT: How long have you been playing football and how did you get your start in it? BR: I have been playing football for eight years. I first started off by playing flag football for my elementary school in fourth grade. The next year, I decided to sign up for peewee football, where I was actually a nose guard, and watching the Atlanta Falcons make their Super Bowl run (I was born in Atlanta.). I just fell in love with football and wanted to take it as far as I could go. FT: Have you ever been involved in any other sports? BR: I did track and field my freshmen, sophomore, and junior year. FT: What do you enjoy about football? BR: I really have just enjoyed the journey of football. Football has taught me that everything is not going to go your way all of the time. There's going to be the good, the bad, and the uncertainty of what's next. The one thing that is important, though, is how you respond to adversities by controlling what you can control and always doing your absolute best. Lessons that are all very relevant in the real world. FT: You had a big game against Oak Ridge and played a big role in a Bulldog victory. How did that feel? BR: I feel very blessed that God gave me the ability, strength, and focus to play my hardest last Friday against Oak Ridge. I am very happy that me and the rest of my teammates can keep our heads high knowing that we have kept the tradition alive with our win streak over Oak Ridge, which will continue for many years. FT: What is your best attribute as a receiver? Speed, size, route runner, good hands…what do you do best, what is your best talent? BR: My best attributes would have to be my size (200 lbs, 6'0) and speed which allows me to be dangerous with the ball (run after catch) in my hands. I will never allow the first guy to bring me down and will always get the first down at minimum. FT: What is your favorite subject or class in school? BR: My favorite subject throughout high school has always been history. I've always just really enjoyed learning about the past and how people used to live. FT: Do you have a favorite genre of music or a favorite singer/group/rapper? BR: I listen to a lot of Gospel music. FT: Favorite food? BR: I really like boneless chicken wings. My favorite flavors are garlic parmesan, honey bbq, and honey pepper. I also really like grapes. FT: Do you have any pets? Tell us about them. BR: I have a pet crested gecko, named Reckless, that I've had since the fifth grade. His name is Reckless because when I first got him for Christmas, he jumped out of his cage at me and pooped on me. My mom called him "a reckless little thing" and the name just kind of stuck. FT: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your free time? BR: In my free time I really enjoy fishing, which is a new hobby I picked up this past summer, and I really enjoy building lego sets. FT: What inspires you in sports? BR: What inspires me to play sports is the opportunities it can give me to further my education. God has given me this gift and has blessed me with phenomenal people in my life that have been with me for my journey. I just want to fulfill the purpose God has given me and be great. FT: What job or profession do you hope to have some day? BR: I want to be an automotive/weapons systems engineer for the Army. To help protect and leave an impact on this country and the people living in it any way I can.