Texas Tech Alum Shines in CFL Debut, the Canadian Football League can be the next best shot. For former Texas Tech wide receiver Drae McCray, that opportunity came with the Saskatchewan Roughriders — and he made it count.
From Lubbock to Canada: A Fresh Start for McCray
After spending two seasons with the Red Raiders, McCray entered the pro football scene as a dynamic return specialist rather than a consistent pass catcher. That role followed him north of the border, where he recently made his debut in the CFL preseason.
McCray returned three kickoffs for 110 total yards, including a pair of explosive runs of 51 and 36 yards. As a punt returner — something new for him — he averaged 9.2 yards per return over five attempts.
It’s early days, but the Roughriders coaching staff already sees potential.
“It validates his tape,” said Head Coach Corey Mace. “He was an explosive returner in college and he was an excellent receiver at two schools.”
Mace added, “I think he showed exactly who he can be in the return game in the pre-season game. It’s just a matter of him fine-tuning his skill sets as a receiver.”
A Return Man at Heart
Even though McCray didn’t blow up as a receiver during his time in Lubbock (41 catches for 329 yards), he became one of the most feared special teams weapons in college football.
In 2023, he took a kickoff back for a touchdown against Houston, electrifying the crowd at Jones AT&T Stadium. He led the Big 12 in kickoff return yards that season with 717 total, averaging 27.6 yards per return.
Opposing teams caught on quickly. By 2024, many chose to kick away from him or boot it into the end zone, limiting his chances to break big returns.
Still, McCray finished his Red Raider career with a solid 26.7-yard average on kickoff returns.
Adapting to New Roles in the CFL
One of the biggest adjustments for McCray has been learning how to handle punt returns — a role he never had at Texas Tech.
In the CFL, versatility matters more due to smaller rosters. Being able to return both kicks and punts could be key to sticking around.
While his receiving stats were underwhelming in college, McCray was a standout at Austin Peay before transferring. There, he caught 129 passes for 1,888 yards and 17 touchdowns in just two seasons — showing flashes of what he’s capable of through the air.
Now, he’s focused on proving he belongs — not just as a return man, but as a player who can contribute on multiple fronts.
Takeaway
Drae McCray might not have gotten the NFL shot he hoped for, but his early performance in the CFL proves he’s got the tools to make it in professional football. With elite speed, field awareness, and a growing comfort in new roles, McCray could soon become a staple on the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ special teams unit — and maybe even more.