Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Coach Demetrie McCray: Football means a lot to me because it shaped me into the man I’ve become. It showed me how to grind and work hard for what I want. Football gave me life long friends and made a man out of me. The game will give you back what you put in it, just like life will!
Joe Gaiter: What is your athletic background as a player?
Coach Demetrie McCray I was an All-State selection my senior year at Thomasville High School (Thomasville, Ga). Albany State University -2 X 1st Team All-Siac selection (03,05), School’s Career Leader in Interceptions (15), Voted as team’s best defensive back (03,05) 3 Conference Championships (03,04,05). Arena football (8 years) won championship 2011, 36 Career Interceptions, 3 X All-Arena selection.
Joe Gaiter: What were your fondest memories playing at Albany State?
Coach Demetrie McCray: I have so many. (lol) but there are 2 that’s at the top. 1. When we came back from being down 24-7 with 5 minutes left in the game at Tuskegee in 04. Our QB Uyl Joyner made a great play scrambling and throwing a Hail Mary that was caught in the end zone by Joshua Johnson to win that game as clock expired. 2. We beat Valdosta St. 24-22 during the regular season in 04. 1st time that had been done.
Joe Gaiter: Was it hard transitioning to playing Arena Football?
Coach Demetrie McCray: Just like anything new, yes it was because the game was so fast paced and wide recievers got a head start before the ball snapped. During my rookie year in Cincinnati I soaked up a lot from some Vets that took me under their wing. I caught on pretty fast, my 1st game playing I caught 2 picks and ran back 1 for a touchdown. I got to win a championship, travel all over the U.S., and get paid to do something I love. I don’t think it gets no better than that. 2 torn achilles came along with the ride but I wouldn’t change nothing about it.
Joe Gaiter: How long have you been coaching?
Coach Demetrie McCray: 10 years- 3 High School; 7 College.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a coach?
Coach Demetrie McCray: Thus far I would say the biggest accomplish as a coach would be that one of my players being named All-American (Traviontae Brown). Also, I’ve had an All-SIAC DB 3 out of the 4 years I’ve been at Benedict. Edward Kirkland (16,17). 2018 2 1st team selections (Robert Cummings and Travionte Brown). I’m very proud of those guys!
Joe Gaiter: Have you enjoyed your time at Benedict College?
Coach Demetrie McCray: I’ve enjoyed my time at Benedict because it has been an experience. We went from being 0-10 to improving each year after that. I’ve seen players grow up and become better football players and even better young men and most importantly leave college with their degrees.
Joe Gaiter: After a 6-3 season, How will you bounce back to win SIAC Championship next season.
Coach Demetrie McCray: Work hard and focus more on the little things.
