The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/653976
MICHIGAN FOOTBALL debut in 2014, blocking a punt that fel- low linebacker Ben Gedeon recovered for a touchdown against Appalachian State. McCray appeared in 11 games during the 2014 season, but mostly in sparse backup action and on spe- cial teams. He harbored higher hopes in Jim Har- baugh's first sea- son, but a spring shoulder injury set him back. The linebacker aggravated the injury once the Wolverines got into the fall, keep- i n g h i m f ro m the field. Now, though, he sees a clear path there, with restored mo- bility and 2015 senior linebackers Joe Bolden, James Ross III and Des- mond Morgan all having moved on. "It feels really good," he said of the shoulder. "I did everything to get it as strong as possible in the offseason." Apparently, it worked. New line- backers coach Chris Partridge cer- tainly gave the thumbs up regarding McCray's efforts thus far. "He's been incredible over the first five practices," Partridge said. "He's a pleasant surprise. You kind of knew he had it in him, and his first five practices have been phenomenal." McCray has been saving it up. He's played for three different defensive coordinators in three seasons, gone through the rehabilitation process and waited his turn. It doesn't even bother him that he's jumping in at a time when many are saying the linebackers represent the one big question mark on an oth- erwise solid de- f e n s e . M c C r a y doesn't think the questions will last that long. "I think the de- fense is going to be really good," he said. "We had a great defense last year, but I feel like we'll be a lot better this year. For the line- backers, the inex- perience doesn't matter. We've got a lot of young guys and a lot of athletes at linebacker. We'll be per- fectly fine." As for him personally, he's glad to see the light at the end of the inactiv- ity tunnel. "It was frustrating, but in the end, I had family and friends that kept me focused," McCray said. "Now I feel like I'm mentally stronger, and it's going to help me in the long run." He likes the combo of linebacker coaches from whom he's getting in- put, with new defensive coordinator Don Brown helping out Partridge at that spot. "Coach Partridge and Coach McCray has emerged as an early favorite to win the starting job at Will linebacker. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL