Ray has Surgery to Remove Tumor

When incoming offensive lineman Arthur Ray announced he had cancer, Spartan Nation rallied around the young man. Ray had been receiving chemotherapy, but battling the disease took another step forward.

Today, head coach Mark Dantonio announced that Ray had successful surgery to remove cancerous tissue in his right leg. While Ray faces much bigger issues than playing football, having something to look forward to after recovery can only help.

Dantonio expects Ray to make a complete recovery and join the Spartan family when the healing has completed.

“It may be a year, it may be a year and a half, it may be two years," Dantonio said in the Lansing State Journal. "The attitude he displayed through this entire process is unbelievable."

In the meantime, the Spartan O-line will look to others to provide the kind of depth Ray would have provided in his freshman season. With their history of injuries, especially at the tackle position where Ray is projected to eventually play, Michigan State will have to make sure other players, young and old, continue to develop.

Mike Gyetvai (Sr.) and Jesse Miller (Jr.) are expected to begin the season as starters at left and right tackle. After that, Rocco Cironi (So.) and Kenny Shane (Sr.) will be the primary backups.

Some of Ray’s fellow incoming recruits might also find playing time as reserves. Chase Dumphord, a 6-foot-5, 320-pounder who plays basketball as well, had schools like Auburn and Florida interested in his services before committing to the Green and White.

Also beginning his college career is Jared McGaha. Although he’s not currently as large as one might expect in an offensive tackle (6-foot-6, 275-pounds), Dantonio expects McGaha to continue grow and points to his footwork on passing plays as a significant asset. “I saw Jared pass blocking, and that's about all you needed to see,” Dantonio said.

In the meantime, players and fans will continue to keep their thoughts and prayers with Ray and his family, rooting for him to make a complete recovery so he can rejoin the Spartan football family.