D1 Arlington Coach Helps NFL Vet LaBryan Ray Train, Prepare for Panthers Training Camp | D1 Daily

As NFL training camps draw closer, D1 Training Arlington coach Marcus Wright II has been helping one veteran defensive lineman get ready for the grind of another season.

Since March, Wright has been working one-on-one with Carolina Panthers defensive end LaBryan Ray, training together five days a week as they follow a customized offseason program focused on increasing power and explosiveness ahead of the Panthers' report date in mid-July.

Ray, a former standout at University of Alabama and two-time College Football Playoff national champion, has appeared in 46 games with 10 starts during his three seasons with the Panthers. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive lineman re-signed with Carolina this offseason after carving out a valuable role on the team's defensive front.

According to Wright, the partnership came together through a personal connection.

"LaBryan was pretty adamant on getting some training but was looking for the right fit," Wright said. "Luckily he was teammates with my cousin Nick Thurman during their time on the New England Patriots. My cousin told him he will get results working with me."

From left to right: D1 Arlington GM K.J., LaBryan Ray, Coach Marcus (D1 Training)

With just weeks remaining before training camp, Wright has emphasized explosive movements designed to maximize Ray's on-field performance. For example, in the Instagram video above, Ray performed power cleans along with a series of lower-body power exercises to prepare for the demands of NFL camp.

Wright has spent more than three years coaching at D1 Arlington and currently serves as the facility's Head Strength & Conditioning Coach after beginning as a strength coach. He has worked in the strength and conditioning field for 12 years, getting his start as an intern while playing college football at Grand View University in Iowa.

Beyond the physical training, Wright believes Ray's commitment sends an important message to young athletes training at D1.

"LaBryan is showing the community that no matter what status an athlete or a person is, nothing gets done without hard work," Wright said.

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