Kelcie McCray Q&A

INDIANAPOLIS -- Arkansas State safety Kelcie McCray is primed for the draft, eagerly awaiting his arrival later this week for the NFL scouting combine. An All-Sun Belt Conference Selection, McCray recorded 70 tackles and four interceptions as a senior. As a junior, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder recorded 79 tackles and two interceptions after nabbing four interceptions as a sophomore.

Scout caught up with McCray for the following interview:

Scout: What do you bring to the table for an NFL team?

McCray: "I bring athleticism and intelligence. Those are my strongest assets. I have the right attitude and knowledge of the game, and the ability to make plays on the ball. When the ball is in the air, I'm a receiver. I feel like the ball is mine.

"I"m confident that I can control the middle of the field. I can win those matchups. That's what I dream about, lining up against tight ends. Because of my size, I think I can match up well with them and because of my speed and quickness. I look forward to controlling the middle of the field."

Scout: How much do you relish being a hitter?

McCray: "I enjoy it. I didn't miss a lot of tackles at Arkansas State. I'm not just a big hitter. I was more concerned with making the sure tackle than going in for the big hit. I definitely didn't miss a lot of tackles."

Scout: What do you expect to run the 40-yard dash in this week?

McCray: "Honestly, I expect to run in the 4.4 range. I can definitely run that at the combine."

Scout: Which NFL safeties do you emulate?

McCray: "Definitely Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, those two guys. I watched every time the Steelers and the Ravens played and I kept my eyes locked on them. It's crazy how much I admire those two guys."

Scout: What kind of impression do you want to leave with NFL teams during interviews?

McCray: “Really, I'm just going to be myself and let the teams know that the team that drafts me is getting a humble, hard-working guy. I'm a guy that doesn't have to deal with personal issues like drug tests and DWIs. I'm just a laid-back type guy that will work his butt off on and off the field.

"Once they get to know me, I think they will like me. I know it will be a lot of tests and I'll be patient. I expect to do my best. I feel like if I do that, I'll move up some draft boards and help myself out."

Scout: Are you healthy going into the combine?

McCray: "Yes, no injuries at all."

Scout: Is there a particular round you've targeted?

McCray: "I don't have a certain round. As long as I get drafted, I'll be happy. It's been a dream of mine to play in the NFL. No matter where it is, I'll give it 100 percent. I just want to get drafted as high as possible and I'm blessed to be in this situation."

Scout: Where have you been training?

Scout: "I"m in Dallas at Competitive Edge Sports with Chip Smith."

Scout: What do you think about LSU defensive lineman Michael Brockers?

McCray: "I'm close friends with Mike. I think Mike's going to blow it up at the combine. He's a great player."

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