CHAMPAIGN (Reuters) – Josh McCray’s Illinois football journey began nearly four years ago, and he remembers it vividly like it was just yesterday. His high school coach in Enterprise, Alabama, had connections to new Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema, which sparked their first interaction.
Early one morning, around 6 a.m., McCray received a phone call that would change his life. “I woke up groggy and thought, ‘Who’s calling me at this time?’ It was Coach B,” McCray recalled Tuesday at the Smith Center. “He offered me a scholarship to the University of Illinois, and honestly, I had to Google it to find out how far away it was from me!”
To his surprise, McCray discovered that it was an 11-hour drive from Enterprise to Champaign-Urbana. “My family prefers car rides to flights, so this was perfect for us,” he added.
On January 5, 2021, McCray officially committed to the Illini, a decision that has proven to be a fortunate one, especially after his brilliant three-touchdown performance in the 38-16 win over Michigan State last Saturday. With his crucial runs, McCray ensured the Seniors were sent off with a memorable win in their final home game.
The first Illini player since Jason Ford in 2010 to score three touchdowns in a single game, McCray’s performance was impressive, even if it was overshadowed by Mikel Leshoure’s astonishing 330 rushing yards in the same game.
It appears that scoring three touchdowns has become a regular occurrence for the rising star. Earlier this season, on Oct. 12, he crossed the end zone three times during a nail-biting 50-49 overtime win against Purdue and showed his versatility with two rushing touchdowns and his first career touchdown catch.
“His accomplishments are nothing short of phenomenal, especially considering everything he has overcome,” said Illinois running backs coach Thad Ward.
After battling injuries that kept him sidelined for two seasons, McCray has bounced back and leads the Illini with 391 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns this season. As the team prepares for this Saturday’s game against Rutgers, McCray is ready to contribute once again.
Bielema frequently praised McCray for his resilience. “I’ve overcome a lot of challenges, but I keep going,” McCray said. “Coming back from injuries is tough, but my support team, including Coach Ward and my family, helped keep my spirit up and encourage my comeback.
McCray gained 549 yards in his freshman season, raising hopes of a breakout career in a program known for developing 1,000-yard running backs under Bielema’s leadership. Unfortunately, a combination of injuries limited him to just nine games and 212 yards over the next two years. Yet Bielema’s unwavering belief in his potential never wavered.
With starting running back Kaden Feagin out for the season with an injury, McCray’s experience has become crucial for the Illini. Despite the increased workload, McCray is not alone. “We rotate quite often, which keeps us fresh,” he noted. “Coach Ward is great at managing the rest of us and making sure we do our best.”
As the team approaches the end zone, McCray has become a face-off partner. “He shined in the red zone the other day and made some tough runs,” noted Illinois offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.
In addition to his strength as a runner, McCray also prides himself on his blocking skills, which often create opportunities for his teammates. “I find blocking enjoyable. Putting someone on your back is always exciting,” he said.
As the season comes to a close, McCray and the Illini still have three challenging matchups ahead of them, including two road games in the Big Ten and an upcoming bowl opponent.
“The key is executing our game plan correctly,” McCray emphasized.
After building a supportive relationship with Coach Ward in his second season, McCray relies on him, not only on the field, but in personal matters as well. “Coach Ward is like family to me. I can contact him anytime if I need help,” he shared.
Ward sees his role as more of an uncle to McCray and his fellow running backs. “I want them to feel more comfortable coming to me about anything,” Ward explained. “Our honesty creates mutual respect, which ultimately benefits our growth as players.”
McCray’s determination to learn and improve is evident. “We studied film together on Monday night and it was his day off. Players like him make coaching rewarding,” Ward said, recognizing McCray’s commitment to excellence.
Off the field, McCray has embraced the challenges of the Illinois winters. Initially shocked by the cold, he remembers a moment from his freshman year when he stepped out of the house wearing only shorts and was caught in a snowstorm. “I had to rush back inside to change into suitable winter clothes!” he laughed.
These days, Ward affectionately describes McCray as “Midwesternized.” When asked about his first impression of McCray, he notes, “Josh is a vibrant young man with a thirst for knowledge and improvement.”
2024-11-20 21:10:00