Countdown to Kickoff: 47 Days (Robert McCray III)

Written by: Lydia Knoll (@lydddknoll)

#47

There are now 47 days remaining until the Indiana Hoosiers kick-off the 2016 season in Miami against the Florida International Golden Panthers. Join us each day for each part of our 100-day countdown to the opener! Current IU player, Robert McCray is wearing #47.

Robert McCray III (Junior)

-Height: 6’2”
-Weight: 274 pounds
-Hometown: Rockdale, GA
-Position: Defensive Line

A standout player in the Old Oaken bucket game last season, McCray played a solid sophomore year after playing as a true freshman the season before. Last season McCray played in the final eleven games recording 17 tackles, 11 solos, 1.5 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. That fumble recovery just happened to be at the Purdue game which helped lead to the victory of the Old Oaken Bucket. As a freshman, McCray played in the final ten games posting one tackle in the Michigan State game. With so much playing experience, there’s no doubt McCray will be a significant player on the defensive line this upcoming season. 

As we approach the 2016 season, the defense, as always, is something to pay attention to. Not only will there be a new coach, Tom Allen from University of South Florida, but he will be implementing a new defensive scheme. The new scheme, 4-2-5, allows for four defensive lineman compared to last season’s defense which called for only three. With other returning players like Nile Sykes, Greg Gooch, Nate Hoff, Ralph Green and Jacob Robinson the defensive linemen roster is deep with experienced players. McCray will see some playing time but will have to fight against these others for a starting position. Size wise, McCray falls right in the middle of the defensive linemen. After missing spring practice is a severe turf toe injury, McCray should be ready for fall camp and with a little extra work in practice and continued performance in games, McCray could make a name for himself this season and be a huge component to Indiana’s defense.  

Share any comments or memories about Robert McCray in the comments section (or on the message boards) and be sure to come back to Hoosier Huddle each day during our countdown!