Senior Spotlight: Wide Receiver Markis McCray

Football Nov 08

By Paul Letlow, ULMWarhawks.com Online Columnist

Editor's Note: This Senior Spotlight is republished from the Nov. 2 digital game program (vs. Arkansas State).

ULM wide receiver Markis McCray had been so close before.

Finally in ULM's 30-17 win over South Alabama this season, the fifth-year senior scored the first touchdown of his collegiate career. The fact that McCray hadn't creased the end zone until then surprised even quarterback Caleb Evans and head coach Matt Viator.

"That's what everybody says," McCray said. "They couldn't believe it. Every touchdown I've had, they either called back for holding or stepping out of bounds."

McCray caught three passes for 70 yards in that game, including the 52-yard score that allowed him to show off his trademark speed.

"Amazing," McCray said when asked how it felt to score. "I've been waiting for it and waiting for it and being patient, you know?"

"Markis has had a great career here and done some great things," Viator said after the South Alabama game. "But everybody has been waiting for him to catch it and get in the open field. I have, because I've been saying he's the fastest guy on the team and I've been waiting for him to catch it and have the opportunity to do something in the open field."

McCray is emerging as one of the top targets in ULM's offense this season. He entered the bye week before Arkansas State leading ULM in receiving with 327 yards on 26 catches.

"Markis has been a great role player throughout his career here at ULM," ULM offensive coordinator Matt Kubik said. "This year, he has stepped up and is exceeding expectations as a starter. He is one of the most explosive players in the Sun Belt, and as a staff, we have thoroughly enjoyed finding new ways to get him the ball."

Viator loves speed and always expressed confidence in McCray's game-breaking potential.

"Coach has always been there to push me," McCray said. "Even days when I'm not feeling my greatest, he's always been behind me and telling me I could do something great here."

McCray is a weapon who gets touches as a receiver, a ball carrier on sweeps or a kickoff return specialist, where he averages 19.27 yards per touch.

"They have utilized me in a bunch of different ways," McCray said. "I wish I could get a few more deep balls sometimes, but it's all good. I just make the most out of my opportunities."

Discussions about ULM's fastest current player must include McCray.

"If you want to get really technical with it, 40 yards or less, I'd say I'm the fastest on the team," McCray said. "There are people who are longer striders than me. But I say I'm the fastest when it comes to football speed. There are people with faster track speeds though."

With his distinctive mane poking out of his helmet, McCray is easy to spot when he's flying around on the field. Just like scoring that first touchdown, it's a look McCray waited a long time to cultivate.

"I always wanted to grow hair when I was younger," he said. "My mom used to always tell me, 'If you grow hair, you have to take care of it.' Growing up, I wasn't the best at taking care of my hair. But I always wanted to have a long, flowing set of hair coming out of my helmet. I thought that was cool when I was growing up."

Even opponents take notice from time to time.

"They really compliment it, if anything," McCray said.

ULM gave McCray a chance to keep playing after his career at Euless (Texas) Trinity High School concluded and he's happy with the way his career played out in Monroe, Louisiana.

"To be honest, I probably wasn't even going to play football if I didn't get a D-1 offer," McCray said. "But I ended up getting that offer from ULM and I ended up coming and playing. I've really enjoyed the past five years being here. There was never any reason to leave. The coaches have been in my corner, and I like the people around here. It's a great community too."

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Senior Spotlight: Wide Receiver Markis McCray