“I was a little bit nervous. I hadn’t played football in a while,” says Shaw, “It’s just always working hard at everything you do. Football, in the classroom, everything like that.”
As a junior Shaw finished second on the team with 119 tackles in 13 games.
“Man he stepped in and did some great things as a junior,” says Murphy, “He was a captain this year.”
Shaw was the Saints’ leading tackler this season with 91 tackles in 10 games.
“In my own mind being afraid to fail. I think as an athlete to get over that step,” says Shaw, “Trust in yourself, trust in God, trust in the process. Being able to overcome and get to that point has been truly a blessing.”
The two seasons made him a candidate to play in the Gatlinburg All-American Bowl. An 8-man all-star game for kids all over the southeast.
“It was an amazing experience. It is good to go out there with different people,” says Shaw, “I think a lot of people are maybe just scared to take that leap.”
Shaw not only took the leap to play in the game but earned defensive most valuable player.
“Defense wins ballgames they always say so I went out there and had two interceptions, a couple of tackles,” says Shaw, “To be able to read the ball and help lead my team the 8-man stripes to a victory. Great experience. I am thankful for it.”
He hopes it can help him reach his goal to continue his career in college as he pursues a great education.
” Ray is an outstanding athlete, he is a quality kid, strong in the classroom,” says Murphy.
“Keep trusting God let him lead the way,” says Shaw, ‘There is a school out there for me so pray to find it.”
WITN
