Name: Antwann McCray
School: Lenoir-Rhyne University
Position: FB
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 230

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

One of my goals was to attract looks from any professional football leagues in the world. Another goal of mine was to be available, in any capacity, for my team. I would do anything needed for us to win a championship. I also needed to lead the RB group as I was the oldest in the room.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I had transitioned from a walk-on outside linebacker at Gardner-Webb in 2016, to a scholarship H-Back/TE in the spring of 2019. Having this extra year gave me more time to study other great fullbacks in the NFL. It also allowed me to work on things like my footwork, blocking techniques, catching, ball carrying ability, etc. I was able to grow as a player, as well as mature as a man.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches and teammates would describe me as a fearless and selfless player that will do anything that is needed. I will put my body on the line for my team. I also do everything football-related (film, practice, workouts, games) with a great intensity.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When watching opponents, I like to start the week off by seeing what they do well. How they were successful, who are their best players, who is not afraid of contact. Then it shifts into understanding their scheme. What fronts do they like to run, what tendencies do they have, what techniques do they like to play. When watching myself, I first look at my alignment then check my footwork, hand placement, violence on contact. I am my own biggest critic. But, making mistakes is exciting, because it gives you something to work to improve.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I have played in all three phases of the game. I have been in the OLB, TE, and RB rooms; this has increased my versatility. I have spent time running routes on air with our receivers and QBs, as a fullback I have to make myself more valuable. I also know what it is like to have the game taken from me. The 2019 season at Gardner-Webb would have been huge for me, but I suffered an injury in the second to last play of our last fall camp scrimmage. Due to covid, I missed two games that I would have been heavily involved in during the 2020/21 abbreviated seasons. That is why I go so hard, because I know this game can be taken away in an instant.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I graduated from Gardner-Webb with a B.S in Exercise Science and I am in pursuit of my M.S. in Exercise Science from Lenoir-Rhyne. With that being said, I am employed as a director of athlete performance in a training facility in my hometown of Greenville, SC. My training will consist of preparation by myself and others on our staff.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My intelligence has always been one of my greatest strengths. I understand football at a high-level, which allows me to play fast and free. I have lived in the weight room throughout my career, my strength is a great asset on the field. Also, I have a low center of gravity combined with that strength, which allows me to be destructive on contact. My versatility allows me to be used in many different ways as a H-Back, traditional fullback, short yardage, and I have special teams value from being a defensive player. And as a person, great values have been instilled in me from every coach that I have ever had. I want to be a positive impact on the community. I am a 5’8, former walk-on that was raised by his grandma. I want to be an inspiration for the people that the world looks down on.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

Any team that brings me in is going to get a player that still has the walk-on mentality. I want to be great and I believe I can do anything that I want to do.