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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antwann McCray, FB, Lenoir-Rhyne University

Antwann McCray the standout full back from the Lenoir-Rhyne University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen
Antwann McCray the standout full back from the Lenoir-Rhyne University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen
  • Name: Antwann McCray
  • Position: FB
  • College: Lenoir-Rhyne University
  • Height: 5’8″
  • Weight: 230 lbs
  • Twitter: @AMACAOM
  • Instagram: @ammccray48

What are your favorite moments from your football life? 

My favorite moments of my football career have been the love that I have received from my teammates and coaches. Hearing from teammates how much I impacted their lives, having coaches that would go to war for me. It puts in perspective too how much leading by example, showing love to others, and always doing whatever to ensure team success, can take you. Also, football saved my life. I was an overweight kid, who’s parents were inactive, I was mad at the world. But, once I started playing football, it felt like my life had purpose. I found something that I was good at it and for once in my life I felt good enough.

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My grandfather was a very good athlete in high school. He’s in the athletic hall of fame for the Piedmont Athletic Association. I spent so much time watching football with him as a kid. The first player that caught my eye was Michael Vick, he was electric and made the game look so fun; I knew it was the sport I wanted to play.

What sets you apart from other fullbacks?

I started my career at Gardner-Webb as a walk-on outside linebacker. I have played snaps in all three phases of the game and I have been in three different position groups (OLB, TE, and RB). I believe I have more versatility than most fullbacks due to the different position groups. At Gardner-Webb, I often ran routes with the receivers just to make myself more than a traditional fullback. And at Lenoir-Rhyne, I did every drill and knew the responsibilities of the tailbacks.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want to be seen as one of the best fullbacks in the game. I have always believed I was one of the best, I just want others to see that in me. Playing professional football, in any league, is one of my goals that I set as a child. Even before I strapped on a helmet, I knew I wanted to be a professional football player. And, I want to be an inspiration for the people of the world that are looked down on. Football has always been bigger than me. I play for the kids that don’t feel loved, the undersized, the people that want to give up, etc.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

The keys to success on the football field are fearlessness, intelligence, and love for your teammates.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Life nor my football career has been easy. But, I carry that walk-on mentality through everything. I believe I can do anything I want, no matter what trials and tribulations come my way. I have a big faith in God, I know he’s with me at all times and I never have to worry.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would hang out with Kurt Warner, I love his underdog story. I think our careers could pan out similar. He went through so many things but never gave up and now he’s a hall of famer.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

I have a degree in exercise science and in pursuit of my master’s in exercise science. I work at a training facility in my hometown, so my training will be a collaboration of myself and my coworkers. I also plan to start training with a WR coach to improve my route running and catching, the plan is to run routes at my pro day to show versatility.

What do you love about the game of football?

I love being a fullback. It allows me to go out and be violent and do the dirty work for the team. Fullbacks are treated like folk heroes a little bit, your teammates and fans tend to love you regardless of your small role. Another thing to love about the game is coming together as a team to achieve something great. Those moments in workouts, practices, of grinding all come together on game. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player that will do anything to help the team succeed. A player that will post his body on the line. And as mentioned, a fullback with great versatility. A fullback that loves his team and the game of football.

What should we know about Antwann McCray the person?

I was raised by my grandmother because my parents were not around. I do not believe in failure. God is the source of my strength. I will never limit myself as a person. And I love to be a positive impact on the people around.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I have a lot of fun playing the game of football. I think the way I play the game could be described as psycho and violent, I really try to be a wrecking ball every play.

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