BELLE GLADE – It was a challenging campaign last season for Der’rell Ray and the Glades Central Raiders.
Despite the 2-8 final record, there were some bright moments in it.
Ray was one of them.
The 5-foot-10, 170 pound defensive back ended his junior season with the following statistics:
- 20 total tackles; 13 solo, 7 assisted
- 1 interception
Ray’s best individual moment from the 2022 fall season came in Week 3 at American Heritage (Plantation). Despite Glades Central’s 56-0 road loss to the perennial powerhouse, the rising star did find his groove on an interception that he caught in the game.
Ray finished the American Heritage (Plantation) game with the following statistics:
- 5 tackles
- 1 pass breakup
- 1 interception
Watch this awesome play before for yourself.
Ray on his interception that he caught against American Heritage (Plantation):
“I came into the game locked in, focused, knowing it was a major game full of five-star players like Malachi Toney,” Ray said.
“It was first down and 10 when my defensive coach called man,” Ray continued. “I went to the side where Malachi Toney was and played off man so I could read his route. He ran a post and I read it perfectly. I looked up and saw another receiver coming across as the quarterback was about to throw the ball. I ran across the field to track an overthrown ball by the quarterback and caught the interception.”
Ray reflected on his junior season at Glades Central.
“My junior season was big improvement from my sophomore year,” Ray said. “It also was my first year playing cornerback. Throughout the season, I face many competitions one on one, only allowing one touchdown the whole season. I can say my stats weren’t where I wanted it to be last year. I can say we could have done better with executing our plays and just working as a team more.”
Ray’s level of growth has resulted in him earning two verbal scholarship offers from:
- Western Kentucky on May 3, 2023
- FIU on May 17, 2023
Ray on Western Kentucky and FIU:
“Both schools are really great programs,” Ray said. “I can say I would fit perfect in both schools, but only time will tell.”
Ray revealed that he plans to make his final college decision sometime this November.
Aside from that, Ray went on to spend his summer offseason in workout mode. The Muck standout shared what he accomplished in his quest to improve as a defensive back.
“I been working extremely hard, focusing on my craft and getting bigger in the weight room,” Ray said. “Over the summer, [Glades Central head coach] Coach [Travis] Moore had us on the track working on speed. I played in two tournaments on with Hard Knocks in the beginning of the 7-on-7 season. After that, I was more focused on getting better and preparing for my senior year.”
Ray on Moore and his coaching staff at Glades Central:
“I can say they really care about the team,” Ray said. “They push us each and ever day to become better men on the field and off. I also can say this year is different from last year. We built a family and we all love each other. We are trying bring back that Raider pride to our community and school.”
Ray shared his senior season goals.
“My objective this year is to have more stats than I did last year and to open the eyes of college coaches,” Ray said. “As for the team, our goal is to compete each and every week, while working hard at everything we do on the field and in school. We’re looking forward to a great season.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Solitario Visuals
