The National Junior College Athletic Association recently named Union Pines alum Tyshown Ray as a second-team All-American for offensive line.
Ray graduated from Union Pines in 2021, where he played as a starter in the guard position.
“Tyshown has always had a blue-collar work ethic and an internal drive to accomplish anything he has set out to do,” said former Union Pines Head Football Coach Lonnie Cox. “As good as an offensive lineman, he was a very good defensive lineman, too. He has an extraordinary passion for the game, and it has been rewarding to watch him blossom. I knew Tyshown would be successful at the collegiate level because he understood both the fundamental aspects of being a lineman and the overall grand scheme of what we were trying to do.”
Cox credits former Union Pines offensive line and co-offensive coordinator for Ray’s overall development as an offensive lineman.
“He and Tyshown spent countless hours together under the shoot on the lineman board and on the sled; it was fun to watch those two work together and to the type of coach-to-player relationship that they had and still have today,” said Cox.
Since graduation, Ray has been working and paying his way through school at Louisburg College outside of Raleigh. He has played the past two seasons in the center position.
“I started playing at five, and it feels good to be recognized and honored for the years and years of hard work on and off the field,” said Ray.
According to former Union Pines Assistant Coach Dillon Moon, Ray is the perfect example of betting on yourself, and he is what it means to be “Viking Strong.”
“I’ve never seen anyone work harder in the weight room or on the field,” said Moon. “He fought through multiple injuries during his time at UP, and through it all, stayed steadfast in his positivity and continued to be a leader. It’s hard to find a kid who is that athletically gifted and who is also incredibly humble. His story of taking a semester off after graduation to work and earn enough money to pay for his school is and will always be inspiring to me.”
Ray’s father, like most fathers, couldn’t be more proud.
“I’m just a very proud father to see my child progress, develop and grow to achieve such honors and become a great student-athlete, and he always puts his studies ahead of his athletics,” said Frederick Ray. “I’m also very proud to see him achieve something great, coming out of a small town, and my dream is to see him in the professional draft for a professional career and hold a bachelor’s degree. I am just one proud father of a hard-working young student-athlete.”
Ray has one more semester at Louisburg College and is waiting for all offers to come in so he can commit on signing day to play at a four-year school next year.
“I appreciate my father helping me and working with me along the way,” said Ray. “I also appreciate my AU coach and coaches Cox and Moon at Union Pines. They played a significant role in helping me to get to this point.”
Feature photo: Tyshown Ray poses for a graduation at Union Pines High School/Contributed photo.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self.
