IUFB Pro Day Primer: Defensive Lineman Robert McCray III

Robert McCray was a big part of the IU defense in 2017 Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Robert McCray was an unheralded two-star recruit from Rockdale County High School in Georgia. McCray took an official visit to Bloomington and immediately fell in love with Indiana University. He committed to the Hoosiers and signed his National Letter of Intent just five days after visiting campus. McCray played linebacker and on the defensive line in high school. He earned All-Area and All-Region honors as a senior. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound lineman would far exceed expectations by the time he finished his Indiana career.

As a true freshman, McCray certainly looked and played better than the average two-star recruit. He played in ten consecutive games, making his collegiate debut against Indiana’s impressive 2014 road victory at Missouri. He posted his first career tackle against the Michigan State Spartans. Although not a major contributor, McCray’s future following his freshman season was bright.

McCray played in 11 games as a sophomore. He took a huge leap from his first college season. McCray racked up 17 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for a loss. His first career sack came against a road victory at Maryland. His first career fumble recovery came against a win over Purdue. McCray played his tail off and persistently showed out against top teams. McCray notched two tackles for loss against a top-ten Iowa team, and picked up half a sack in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl.

Unfortunately, McCray missed the first four games of his junior year due to injury. He played the final nine games despite likely never being at full-strength. Still, he recorded eight tackles, one sack, and two tackles for a loss. The sack and two tackles for a loss proved to be vital in Indiana’s win on the road against Rutgers. Even in limited time, McCray made his presence felt every time he stepped onto the field. Following his junior campaign, McCray was happy to have a healthy spring and summer to prepare for a breakout senior year.

McCray delivered. His production increased dramatically as he recorded 20 tackles and 7.5 tackles for a loss. McCray found a knack for getting to the quarterback. He collected a team-leading six sacks. He led all IU defensive linemen in tackles for loss. He forced a key fumble against Wisconsin and was named IU defensive player of the week as a result. McCray’s production came with consistency. He recorded one sack in six games and had at least one tackle for a loss in seven games.

A strong senior season earned Robert McCray an honorable mention for the All-Big Ten team. He finished his collegiate career with 46 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss, and 8.5 sacks. Pro Day will offer McCray a crack at showcasing his abilities. NFL scouts will be on the hunt for diamonds in the rough. McCray rose from a two-star recruit to a major contributor in the Big Ten. If history repeats itself, McCray could make the leap from IU to the NFL. He is not currently projected to be selected in the draft, but Robert McCray’s size, speed, and skill will give him a chance to make it in the pros.

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