With the graduation of two-year starter Jon Bolton, Purvis had an opening at running back heading into the 2018 season. Wayne Ray has assumed that role for the Tornadoes and appears more than ready for the opportunity.
The sophomore had a breakout performance last Friday night against Columbia Academy, rushing for 160 yards and three touchdowns in the Tornado’s 48-8 win.
“He [Ray] ran the ball hard,” said Purvis coach Brad Hankins. “That’s the thing we’re hanging our hats on with Wayne. He’s going to be a good player for us for the next couple of years we hope. We just want him to get better every week. I think Friday night was kind of a glimpse into what Wayne can become.”
Added Ray, “The line was blocking pretty good, and the coaches drew up some good plays, too.”
His predecessor, Bolton, was often described as a power back during his time at Purvis. But Ray, our Week 3 Sports601 Hattiesburg Player of the Week, is a little different, according to Hankins.
“Wayne is more of a slasher, but he can get downhill, also. He’s shifty, and you very rarely get a clean shot on him. The guys upfront, they love blocking for him. He’s very complimentary of them in what they do at practice and things of that nature.”
The win over Columbia Academy was the first of the season for Purvis and the first of Hankins’ head coaching career. The Tornadoes, who are now 1-2, will carry the victory into a bye week, as they prepare for a Sept. 14 contest versus Mendenhall.
“It’s tough when you go out there and you don’t have the success that you want, so having that success Friday night was huge for our team,” said Hankins. “Going into that bye week, you can kind of turn the pressure up on them a little bit. We’re going to do that, we’re going to get back to some fundamental stuff and get better in trying to make a run for the rest of the season.
“Our goals are still out there in front of us, and that’s what we’re going to chase.”
