Ray reported to the Eskimos on Tuesday, May 28, and will be with the team as it begins training camp on June 1. Prior to signing the deal with Edmonton, Ray had been serving as the starting quarterback with the Fresno Frenzy of the Arena Football League 2. With the Frenzy, Ray competed in seven games and completed 116-of-197 passes for 1,296 yards. He also threw 25 touchdowns and had six interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 96 yards on 24 carries and also had seven touchdowns.

In his two seasons with the Hornets, Ray threw for 4,622 yards — the third best total in school history. The Shasta, Calif., native also ranks first in career completion percentage (.619, 347-561) and third in career passing touchdowns (33). As a senior, he earned all-Big Sky accolades after guiding the Hornets to a 7-4 overall record and a 5-3 mark in the Big Sky. That season, he threw for 13 touchdowns and ran for another 10 (the most by a QB in school history).

As a junior, Ray set a school record with 20 passing touchdowns and threw for 2,422 yards which trailed only Tony Corbin’s 1995 total of 2,532 yards. His two single-season completion percentages rank first and second in school history.

Following his senior year, Ray was signed by the San Francisco 49ers during the team’s training camp. He was released at the end of camp only to be resigned by the 49ers during the regular season. He was on the team’s active roster for the Sept. 23 game against the Saint Louis Rams before being released when the team signed veteran quarterback Rick Mirer.

In Edmonton, Ray will compete with incumbent Jason Maas and newcomers Leon Murray and Keith Smith.

The Redding, Calif., native is one of numerous Sacramento State alumni currently playing in the CFL. Charles Roberts, Troy Mills, Ryland Wickman and Tony Corbin are all members of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers while Tyrone Taylor currently plays for the B.C. Lions.

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