Drae McCray ready to shine if called upon for Roughriders

Drae McCray might get his chance to electrify the CFL this week.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ kick returner is expected to step into the lineup with veteran returner Mario Alford dealing with a hip injury and not practicing.

Head coach Corey Mace confirmed Alford underwent imaging this week and said, “(this is) probably going to be tough for him to go this week. Dre’s been waiting in the wings, (this is) an opportunity for him to show who he is.”

McCray is more than ready for the opportunity.

“It would mean a lot just being a professional football player in general,” said McCray. “But being able to play and go out there and represent what this team means and what this fan base is all about, it would mean a lot.”

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McCray turned heads during the preseason with his speed and agility, including a 51-yard kick return in the Riders’ first exhibition game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Despite that bright showing, the coaching staff opted to open the season with Alford, the proven veteran.

That choice has paid off so far. Alford leads the CFL with an impressive 30.9-yard kick return average and has already found the end zone for a touchdown this season.

While waiting his turn, McCray has been making the most of his time alongside Alford, soaking up knowledge from one of the league’s best return men.

“He just helps me wherever I need,” McCray said.

“If he has a tip or something, or if I have a question, sometimes we bounce ideas off each other just to help each other get better. He’s been a really big help and a really good mentor for me.”

Mace has seen that relationship firsthand and praised Alford’s influence. “Mario has been nothing but an extra coach for him as well. That’s just a family environment. He’s the next one to go and put his best foot forward.”

When asked what makes McCray effective, Mace did not hesitate.

“(He’s) just fearless,” he said.

“You’ve got a bunch of guys screaming down there trying to take your head off. Sometimes we ask you to run in the teeth of it. So you’ve got to have a little bit of a screw loose, which I think Dre does.”

McCray added that although his routine has not changed drastically this week, he has been even more focused on preparation and leaning on Alford’s insights.

“Just maybe being more in tune with what the other team is doing and picking Mario’s brain a little bit more,” he said. “Just, ‘Hey, what happens if this happens or that?’ So just being in tune with him a little bit more.”

Adapting to the wider field in the CFL has also become second nature for the rookie, who admitted the adjustment took time earlier in camp.

“It’s definitely more comfortable now than it was a few months ago,” said McCray.

The Riders have been dealing with several injuries as they head into a crucial matchup. Wide receiver Sam Emilus (foot) is getting closer to returning to action, while defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr. (back) and Marcus Sayles (hip) were both back on the field this week.

McCray knows the waiting game is not easy for any competitive athlete, but he is determined to stay ready and make the most of any chance that comes his way.

“Just using it as a time to learn,” he said. “I have one of the greatest returners in the CFL right next to me, so if I don’t use it to learn, I’m not a very smart person in that aspect.”

The Riders take on the B.C. Lions on Saturday at Mosaic Stadium. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m., with the Green Zone pregame show beginning at 3 p.m.

— with files from 980 CJME’s Britton Gray