After three years (two football seasons) at Lincoln University, McCray has raised the standard for the secondary. Before McCray, the secondary gave up 240 yards per game and 34 touchdowns during the 2018 season and 235 yards per game and 30 touchdowns during the 2019 season. In the 2021 season, those numbers decreased to 190 yards per game, only giving up 14 touchdowns and ranking 3rd in the conference in interceptions. During that season, McCray had an All-Conference cornerback (Rontay Dunbar) who was a freshman, and he led the conference in passes defended with two other defensive backs finishing in the top 10. The 2022 season nearly mirrored the 2021 season; the secondary gave up 187 yards per game and 14 touchdowns. Two players finished in the top 15 in passes defended, one of which was Kai Gray, who also led the conference in tackles and now plays in the CFL for the Edmonton Elks.
Before Lincoln, in his Benedict tenure, a defensive back earned all-conference accolades in his five seasons. The Tigers led the SIAC in scoring defense in back-to-back seasons (2017 & 2018). The 2018 unit was nationally ranked in total defense (3rd), rushing defense (4th), pass defense efficiency (7th), pass defense (14th), and scoring defense (14th). The defensive staff was voted by the AFCA Minority Issues Committee as the Top Defensive Staff. Led by an All-American cornerback, two defensive backs led the conference in interceptions.
Before Benedict, McCray was the defensive coordinator and head track coach at Twiggs County High School from 2012-2015. To start his coaching career, he was a graduate assistant at his alma mater Albany State University from 2009-2011. Two of his defensive backs earned 1st team All-Conference honors, and the Golden Rams won a conference championship and were HBCU National Champions in 2010.
McCray was a three-year starter at defensive back at Albany State and was a part of nationally-ranked defenses. He was a 2-time 1st team All-Conference selection and voted the team’s best defensive back. He finished 5th in the nation in passes defended in 2004 and holds the school’s career interception record with 15. Added to McCray’s collegiate resume is winning three conference championships (2003, 2004, 2005) and two HBCU National Championships (2003 & 2004).
A 2007 graduate from Albany State University, McCray played seven years in the arena football league. He finished his career with 44 interceptions, three All-Arena selections, and a championship in 2011.
McCray and his wife, Bridget, have two children, Skylar and Demetrie Jr. (D.J.)
