NDSU linebacker plays through shoulder pain in loss to New Mexico
Ray James Jr. recorded 11 tackles and an interception while managing an injury he suffered in the previous game against Nevada.
By Jonathan Reed ·
North Dakota State linebacker Ray James Jr. took the field against New Mexico last week despite a questionable status caused by a shoulder injury. The third-year player wrapped the injury and took pain relievers to remain active, leading the Bison defense with 11 tackles in the loss.
James Jr. secured an interception that stopped a fast start by the Lobos. He described the decision to play as a test of mental toughness. He said he tried not to worry about the pain and played with everything he had for his teammates. He noted that if the injury flared up, he accepted that risk to help the team.
The shoulder issue originated in the game against Nevada. Jackson Williams returned a missed 57-yard field goal for a touchdown. Williams moved through the Nevada line and found open space on the left sideline. Only the Nevada kicker stood in James Jr.'s path. The linebacker rolled over the kicker, causing his shoulder to hit the turf hard.
Head coach Tim Polasek praised the player for playing through the pain. Polasek called it a moment where players have to tough it out. He noted that James Jr. had dealt with shoulder problems in the past for long periods. Polasek said the team would manage the player's practice load carefully moving forward.
James Jr. credited the medical staff for his return to action. He mentioned receiving some bandages and wrapping before the game. He spent a lot of time in rehabilitation and treatment. He thanked the training staff for preparing him to compete against New Mexico.
Jackson Williams continued a strong season as a return specialist. His 14.2 yards per punt return average ranks second in the Mountain West conference. That pace places him in the top 10 of the Bison single-season record book. He averaged 15.0 yards on five returns during the New Mexico game, with a long of 33 yards.
The Bison face the University of Texas at El Paso this week. It will be the first meeting between these two schools. NDSU holds a 17-5-1 all-time record against teams from Texas. The Bison are 11-6 on Halloween, though they have not played on October 31 at home since a 14-0 win over Nebraska-Omaha in 1981.
