Interview: 2020 California CB Eric McCraney is Seeing All the Pieces Come Together
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Guys like Eric McCraney III make high school football fun to watch and to cover. There are all sorts of different attitudes and demeanor that hit the gridiron. There are a lot of players who talk the talk but will not take two steps to put action with words – that is not McCraney. McCraney saw his game develop to another level during his junior campaign with Summit High School developing into that guy the Skyhawks coaches could count on play after play. The 6-0, 170-pound, corner wrapped up 34 ball carriers, 27 of the solo variety, with three tackles for a loss, four passes broken up, and three interceptions. What stands out on McCraney against California opposition is not just his talent and athleticism but his feel for the game and his hustle. That dedication to the game is bringing college football scouts to the Fontana yard.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with McCraney covering his junior season on the field, his offseason workouts, and his developing recruiting prospects.
Interview
Eric, watching game footage on you, one thing that stands out in the best way possible is your hustle and determination on each play. I can tell you never give up. When the lights come on for a game, what motivates you to play the game that way?
“The drive and competitiveness of the game. You gotta get the job done. You have to play that way if you want to win, you can never give up. That one play when you don’t go hard, that can determine the outcome of your game.”
I like that. Another aspect of your game that stands out to me is your knowledge of the game and/or recognizing what is coming your way. What was your preparation like during the season for a given opponent?
“I would watch a lot of film, day in and day out watching film. Then I would ask my coaches questions if I needed to. I would prepare for each game knowing what I had to do for our team to win.”
Which game last season was the biggest challenge for you going up against a quarterback-receiver duo?
“The biggest game was the Grand Terrace game.”
How did that challenge help make you a better player?
“That challenge made me better because I had to trust my coach and my abilities to cover one of the best receivers in our league (Lonzel Bradford). I was given the task, and I was excited to receive it. He had really good speed, and their quarterback (Mekhi Lewis) was phenomenal. In that game, he (Bradford) only had one catch on me. I held him down.”
Overall, how did your game as a corner improve throughout your junior year?
“It improved a lot. From the summer all the way through the season, my knowledge, my footwork, and my overall abilities improved. Mentally, I really improved. My hips got more fluid, that was a really big help.”
Where all might we see you on the field in 2019?
“I’m playing safety, corner – I will be all over the field on defense and on offense.”
Which position on offense are you going to play?
“Outside receiver, the X.”
Are you excited about playing offense in 2019?
“Yes I am.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my speed and my strength. Big things are happening this summer. I will be in the gym every day and going to a lot of camps, I will absorb as much football as I can this offseason.”
I know you are playing 7v7 ball with TTGOG, how is that helping push your game forward?
“Oh, it is helping a lot. The brotherhood, the mental game, the grind, the competitive level of 7v7 – 7v7 is the best verses the best. I am taking what I am learning from 7v7 and applying it to the upcoming season.”
How have the tournaments gone for you personally?
“The tournaments have gone well. Our last tournament, Passing Downs in Fontana, we had a good performance. We made it to the second round of the playoffs. I have been learning a lot. It has been a great experience.”
Have you been to any camps this offseason?
“Yes. The Adi Zero Combine.”
How did that go?
“It went well. I liked my performance there. It was a good experience and very competitive.”
Are you going to any camps upcoming?
“I am going to an Azusa Pacific camp and a Boise State. There are more to come, I will be very active summer.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“I am receiving interest from Azusa Pacific, Wingate, and Arizona State.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes. I have taken visits to UCLA and Azusa Pacific.”
How did the UCLA visit go?
“It went great. UCLA has a beautiful campus and great facilities.”
What about APU, how did that go?
“It was a really good visit. I took my mom on the visit. APU also has a beautiful campus. The culture there is really good and a good football team. It was wonderful experience.”
Do you have any planned visits scheduled?
“Yes. I plan on visiting San Diego State soon.”
Is there an area of your game that gets overlooked because it does not necessarily show up on the stat sheet?
“Yes. My communication skills. That gets overlooked and my field vision.”
If your teammates were to describe you, what do you think they would say?
“My teammates would say I want to win. I am competitive. I will get in your face if I have to. I am a funny dude off the field, but with football it is different. The opposition is the enemy, and I give it all I got to get the win.”
Eric, it was fun learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate your time.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: McCraney family; Eric McCraney at UCLA