Mike McCray

Growing up in an Ohio State family as the son of a former Buckeyes football captain, McCray did the impossible and chose Michigan for his football career. In his defense, the Wolverines recruited him harder and committed before Ohio State even offered him. McCray struggled to get on the field due to injuries early in his career, but he proved to be a reliable three-down SAM linebacker his final two seasons in Ann Arbor. He is a downhill force player and keeps his eyes trained on the prize to fill with the physical mentality to match up in the trenches. While he isn’t a slug, McCray is heavy-legged with ordinary range and won’t narrow the gap when chasing. He has the desired toughness and intangibles for the NFL, but his medicals could a hindrance for some teams. BACKGROUND After redshirting in 2013, McCray saw limited action as a redshirt freshman in 2014, collecting two tackles in 11 games played. He missed the 2015 season due to injuries, but returned in 2016 and earned a starting role, finishing second on the team with 76 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, nine passes defended and two interceptions to earn All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. McCray again started all 13 games as a senior and set career-highs with 84 tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors.

in our view

McCray has holes in his game when asked to drop and cover, but his backfield vision and aggressive nature make him a reliable run defender who best fits inside in a 3-4 scheme as an early-down player.

strengths

Well-built player with long arms. Trusts his vision, allowing him to play faster than his timed speed. Football smart and senses what is about to happen. Quick to key/read/flow. Low, reliable tackler. Attacks alleys and navigates well in the weeds as a downhill player – 29.5 tackles for loss in 26 starts the last two years. Faces up ballcarriers to finish in space. Attacking mindset and doesn’t take plays off. Experienced on special teams, including one career blocked kick. Not the loudest voice in the room, but carries himself with clear confidence that fits a NFL locker room. Voted a senior captain. Football bloodlines – father (Mike) was a senior captain at Ohio State. Extremely tough and plays through pain. Highly productive as a starter. – Dane Brugler 1/29/2018

weaknesses

Stiff athlete and struggles to match backs out of the backfield. Only average play range and speed. Routinely finds himself out of place when asked to drop and cover. Undeveloped cover instincts and late to anticipate passing lanes. Aggressive downhill, but take-on skills require more thought to better stack-and-shed blocks. Needs to expand his vision to avoid road blocks. Played through numerous issues and medicals will be vital to his draft grade – missed the entire 2015 season, mostly due to a shoulder injury during spring practice (April 2015) that he re-aggravated. – Dane Brugler 1/29/2018

Attended Trotwood-Madison High School (2013) coached by Maurice Douglass

Caught 19 passes for 369 yards and four scores and tallied 121 tackles with 2.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions as a senior

Compiled 460 yards on 28 catches and nine touchdowns and totaled 86 tackles with five interceptions and three defensive touchdowns as a junior

Named AP Division II All-Ohio first team as a senior, as well as Defensive Player of the Year

Named to the Under Armour All-American game as a senior.

Michael Juey McCray II was born on August 3, 1994

Son of former Ohio State captain Mike McCray, Sr

. Enrolled in the the School of Kinesiology, major undeclared.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
16.5	5.0	79.0	0.0	0.0	4.5	49.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
13.5	4.0	72.0	1.0	6.0	4.5	44.0

interceptions
TD	AVG	YDS	INT
1.0	18.0	36.0	2.0