Shane Ray Leaves Junior Day with an Offer

Like teammate Phil Ford, Bishop Miege's Shane Ray made the trip to Kansas on Saturday to find out more about the program, the staff and what Kansas has to offer. Ray is a defensive end prospect for the 2011 class and his recruitment is definitely picking up steam early with an offer from Missouri arriving on Friday.  During his trip Saturday Ray would pick up his second offer, this one from Turner Gill and the Jayhawks.

Shane Ray gave us a few minutes of his time late last night and I have to say I came away pretty impressed with the young man.  With two offers in hand, the Missouri legacy may already be an uphill climb for Kansas the staff, but it's pretty clear the school, the staff and the program made an impression. 

 

Other Junior Day Coverage: Phil Ford Interview

Still to Come: Jamal Brown, Jordan Turner and more.

Denver

Shane thanks for talking with us here tonight.  First off what were you hoping to get out of the KU junior day? what were you interested in seeing, who did you want to meet and what were you hoping to come away with from your trip?

Shane

I really wanted to get a feel for the program and become more familiar with the coaching staff. I really wasn't expecting them to show us around the campus but they did and it was really nice seeing as how I've never really viewed a college campus before.

I got to meet all the coaches and they all seemed like really nice people, especially Coach Gill.  He took alot of time talking with me and didn't seem to be in a rush. Within the first 5 minutes of talking he extended the offer to go to KU on a Full ride and I was really happy. I didn't feel pressured at all, he understood it would take time for my decision and I truly did appreciate that.  He invited me to come to the campus as many times as I would like to get a better relationship with the coaches. All in all it was a very fun and genuine experience.

Denver

Very nice, so you do have an offer in hand for Kansas. I understand you have a Mizzou offer as well, are there others you've received or are expecting?

Shane

No KU and MU are the only schools that have offered at the moment.

Denver

What is it you are looking for in terms of a college choice?

Shane

I'm looking for a place that's not only serious about football but also serious about helping their players graduate.

Denver

Did you have a chance to meet any of the other recruits or talk with anybody else about their experiences today?

Shane

Yes, I met with a few recruits. I didn't get a chance to catch any names but it seemed everyone enjoyed themselves

Denver

What's the next step for you in terms of your recruitment. I know you are a "legacy" so to speak at Mizzou, is that the offer you were waiting on? or are you going to be looking around?

Shane

I really do like Missouri, as a kid I always dreamed about playing there because of my dad. Mizzou being the first offer was really special to me. But at the same time I want to give myself the opportunity to find the best fit for me

Denver

Completely understandable. So how much of a chance does Kansas stand in this one?

Shane

Based on my visit Kansas deserves my consideration.

Denver

That's a pretty good answer to a tricky question.

So last one, give me the one take away from Kansas that set the opportunity apart from other visits or schools you have looked at?

Shane

What impressed me the most was the amount of time Coach Gill spent talking to me, making sure I understood why he was offering the scholarship and how he wants to better the program. It felt really genuine.

Denver

Fair enough and good to hear. Well thanks a ton for your time tonight.  Best of luck in your college decision and keep us posted on your recruitment.

Shane

Will do, thanks a lot.