With all the talk focused on Alabama’s Dee Milliner being the top cornerback in this year’s draft class, many have forgotten about the talented Demetrius McCray out of Appalachian State. Though McCray did not have a hand in his school’s historic upset of the Michigan Wolverines, he has been playing like the big man on campus these past two seasons.
Demetrius McCray has seen his popularity with NFL teams soar after turning in a stellar performance at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. McCray intercepted a pass and returned it 38 yards, he broke up a pass, he forced a fumble, and made five solo tackles as his team, the National squad, posted a 34-0 victory against the American squad.
demetrius mccray 350x350In addition to being highly touted at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and receiving an invite to the NFL Combine, McCray is the first Mountaineer cornerback to lead the Southern Conference in interceptions with 4 in 2012 and 5 in 2011. McCray is also the team’s leader in passes defended (8), was sixth in tackles (55), and forced one fumble this season. McCray was also one of 20 finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the nation’s top FCS defensive player.
One advantage that the small-school prospect has going for him is his size; McCray stands 6-foot1 inches. Bigger corners are being sought after by several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks. What Seattle’s defensive unit has been able to accomplish with lengthy corners has many offenses fearing throwing against the aptly named “Legion of Boom.”
The former Mountaineer product also has the ability to transition to Safety in the NFL, and even return kicks if a team has the need. McCray ran a 4.55 40-yard dash, which is decent for a defensive back responsible for covering wide outs with times sub-4.3 seconds.
The one knock on the talented corner will be his transition from the NCAA FCS Division, which is not as highly thought of as the NCAA BCS Division. Though small school candidates have and will continue to impress at the next level, certain teams have been known to take a pass on the “little guy” of the Combine.
Ultimately, McCray has the tools and athleticism to compete at the next level, though he will need a season or two to adjust to the more competitive NFL. Scouts currently have McCray as a day 3 selection, and even with a solid showing at the Combine, this has not changed. However, the one team that is willing to take an extended look at him will certainly like the instincts they see on film. With the right fit and the right defensive guru, McCray could become a household name in the next few seasons given the opportunity.
Combine Invite: Yes
Height: 6007
Weight: 187
40 Yrd Dash: 4.46
20 Yrd Dash: 2.54
10 Yrd Dash: 1.50
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 04
Vertical Jump: 36
Broad Jump: 10'06"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.32
3-Cone Drill: 7.17
Pro Day:
Dates: 03/18/13
Height: 6007
Weight: 187
40 Yrd Dash: 4.47
20 Yrd Dash: 2.50
10 Yrd Dash: 1.57
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 06
Vertical Jump: 40 1/2
Broad Jump: 11'00"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.21
3-Cone Drill: 6.76
** Not the strongest guy in the world
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=95038&draftyear=2013&genpos=CB
[video=youtube;KYFXic98ZD4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYFXic98ZD4[/video]