Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Ray Artybridge: Football has meant a lot to since I started playing football. This was also the first sport I ever played. I can get away from any problems that I have and just find peace when I’m playing.
Joe Gaiter:Tell us about your childhood?
Ray Artybridge: I grew up in Easley SC. It’s a small city but everyone knew everyone especially if you play sports. They took little league sports seriously when I was growing up there. I enjoyed my childhood there, but I moved from Easley when I was 11 years old and went to Starr SC.
Joe Gaiter:What are your fondest memories of Crescent High School?
Ray Artybridge: My fondest moments at crescent high school was Friday nights. Playing the football game and going to Ihop after with my friends. I enjoyed those times when I was there especially being with my friends and just trying to win games there. Another moment is when I went to State in Track and came in second in long jump.
Joe Gaiter:Why did you choose Carson Newman University?
Ray Artybridge: I picked Carson Newman because I got an at home vibe and it was Christian based. My parents loved the atmosphere and thought that I would get the best from Carson Newman so that’s when I realized this is the school I’m going to be at. They took chance on me after my injury.
Joe Gaiter:What was your contribution to the team over your career?
Ray Artybridge: Early on I contributed any way I could from special teams to defense. I was on almost every special teams also playing defense as well. I switched positions there, so I feel like I’m versatile. I came in as an RB, switched to CB and played safety as well. Any where they needed me I’ll play it.
Joe Gaiter:What has been your biggest accomplishment as an athlete?
Ray Artybridge: I think my biggest accomplishment as an athlete is that I was one of the top players in my area in football. I came in second in state in Long Jump as well.
Joe Gaiter:What is your untold story?
Ray Artybridge: I played sports year-round in high school, but my best sport was football. I did good my sophomore year on Varsity, so I was getting a little buzz. Going into my junior year I wouldn’t rest I went from football in the summer to AAU basketball and to varsity basketball as well. So, one day I went with the Varsity team to play in the tournament in the summer and the first game I tore my ligaments in my foot. That injury made me miss my junior season so that injury really set me back and had me devastated.
Joe Gaiter:What makes you such a dynamic Defensive Back?
Ray Artybridge: I would say speed and trying to be patient. Playing with the guys I played with helped me become a better defensive back.
Joe Gaiter:How would you grade yourself at your proday?
Ray Artybridge: Our pro day cancelled but I recorded myself doing certain things such as the 40, the broad, and drills.
Joe Gaiter:How do you get in the mind of your opponent?
Ray Artybridge: By being aggressive, trying not to give them room to do anything. Making sure I just play my game because if I’m doing my job it would make their job a lot harder.
Tell us about your life off the field?
Ray Artybridge: My life off the field is boring. If I’m doing anything that’s football related, I’m playing basketball with friends, playing the game, doing my work, and making sure I see family but since we are in quarantine I’m just working out, doing homework, and playing the game.
Joe Gaiter:What should NFL/CFL need to know about you?
Ray Artybridge: That I am coachable and I’m trying to fulfill a dream I had since I was a kid. I’m going to work hard and do the best I can do.
Joe Gaiter:Where and how often are you training currently?
Ray Artybridge: I’m training almost everyday by myself right now but before all this stuff that’s been going on. I was training everyday at TNT Sports in Williamston SC.
Joe Gaiter:Who is your agent and why did you choose them?
Ray Artybridge: I don’t have an agent right now.
Joe Gaiter:Do you have any regrets?
Ray Artybridge: No, because everything that happened helped me grow in the person I am today.
Joe Gaiter:What is your major and how do you plan on using it?
Ray Artybridge: My major is Youth athletics but I’m getting my masters in Sports management. I want to create my own brand so I can host tournaments for the youth.
Joe Gaiter:Do you feel like the underdog?
Ray Artybridge: Yes, I’ve been the underdog my whole life but I’m fine with it because I’m going to work to get what I want.
Joe Gaiter:What is a message to the Carson- Newman 2020 football team?
Ray Artybridge: I want to tell my old teammates to stay together, listen to the coaches, and its them against the world. Keep working for what they deserve and ball out when the season come back around.
Joe Gaiter:What do you want your legacy to be?
Ray Artybridge: When people remember me, I want them to know that I never gave up. No matter what you go through you can control the outcome. They would know that I was a good person and I want younger kids in my similar situation know that they can do anything they want because where we live at its hard to make it out due to sports.
