Coach Demetrie McCray, Benedict College, Interview with Joe Gaiter

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.

Joe Gaiter: How would you describe your coaching style?

Coach Demetrie McCray: I actually asked my players what was my style because they know me best. To sum up my style I would say I’m Competitive, Aggressive, and Hands On. I teach the material, demonstrate, and then coach it. I want my group to win at everything and be the most disciplined so I’m going to be aggressive and critique everything.  I let them correct themselves and each other sometimes that lets me know they are in tune with their assignments and technique. That creates leadership in the form of positive guidance!

Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?

Coach Demetrie McCray:  It will be told when the story is finished.

Joe Gaiter: How do you use your background experiences as a player to help your players succeed as a coach?

Coach Demetrie McCray: If my legs are feeling good that day I will do drills with them to get em going lol. I like to demonstrate whatever technique that is I want them to learn and they do a pretty good job of getting the technique down so i like to use that strategy.  My guys know about my accomplishments so I press them on and off the field about the way you do things and how to be successful.  I have a great group of guys and they have had a taste of being successful so now they want more.

Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Coach Demetrie McCray: Coaching College Football

Joe Gaiter: What advice do you have for players trying to transition from player to coach?

Coach Demetrie McCray: Pay attention to detail as a player, view the game from a team aspect and not an individual.  Listen and soak as much knowledge as you can and always be willing to learn more!

Joe Gaiter: Final Words/Shoutout?

Coach Demetrie McCray:   Coaching was never in my life’s plan, I just wanted to play football.  When you’re called to do something, it’s your duty to answer the call.  First, I have to shoutout my DBS (Snoop, Bobby, Matt, Hunt, O.J., Josh, Marlon, Casey, James, Localzo, A.K. and Kirk). I will go to war with these guys anyday #BookEm. The coaching staff, our DC Ronnie Baker was my DB coach my freshman year at Albany State who I’ve learn so much from. Most importantly the Head Coach, Coach White who was my college head coach and he was the one who got me into coaching.  Everything I know about coaching and running a program comes from him. Darrell Suber and Ken Conner thanks for looking out for the young coach. My family for all the love and support. Last but not least my wife Bridget who has been by my side the whole journey and my kids Skylar and D.J. who love you guys!

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