LJ McCray Highlight Reel Surfaces on Youtube

Harding University High School safety LJ McCray inked with the Catawba football program on National Signing Day in early February.

He was named all-conference during his junior and senior seasons, while being named to the All-Queen City 3A/4A team at running back.

His future, however, will be looked upon at safety. The loss of safeties Tyon Bennett, Mike Benton, and Chris Noel will make McCray a viable option for playing time in 2009.

McCray, 6'1 185, took a late visit to Appalachian State shortly before making Catawba his destination to play college football. He was also invited to play in the new Down Under Bowl.

As a rusher, McCray recorded 44 carries for 198 yards and six touchdowns, while hauling in 19 catches for 339 yards and a pair of scores.

His services in their secondary included 70 tackles and three interceptions during his final season for Harding.

McCray returned three kick-offs for touchdowns during his final prep season, while accumulating five total touchdowns in return situations throughout his career.

His official highlight tape has surfaced on Youtube and is available for Catawba fans to take a sneak peak at the college's future options in the secondary.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEXR0PiOE8Y
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LB Keyon Wade Picks Catawba

Woodbridge High School (VA) defensive end Keyon Wade recently inked with the Indian program last week.

Wade earned First Team All-Cardinal District honors as a defensive lineman for the 11-1 Vikings.

His future position, however, will be at linebacker where his 5'10 210 pound frame will be better suited.

Wade was the team's fullback as well, paving the way for Rutgers commit De'Antwan Williams.

Despite rushing for only a pair of touchdowns last season and catching five balls out of the backfield, he may be looked at as a fullback for Catawba in years to come.

Wade was primarily a roving defensive end for Woodbridge, but played significant snaps at linebacker and safety.

On defense, Wade was in on 52 total tackles, a sack, two interceptions, and four fumble recoveries.

Woodbridge has had seven seniors ink with four-year colleges or post-graduate institutions to further their playing careers. Full Story

LB Dennis McFatten Commits to Indians

Heralded Lake Weir HS linebacker Dennis McFatten inked with the Catawba Indians shortly before the spring semester ended.

Lake Weir, located in Ocala, FL, recently enjoyed its first trip to the state playoffs in the program's 53 year existence.

McFatten had a lot to do with that milestone by leading the Hurricanes to a 7-4 record, while earning All-Marion County Second Team accolades.

As a prep senior, McFatten racked up 65 tackles, 6 sacks, one interception, a blocked punt, and a touchdown.

The 6'2 195 pound linebacker spent two years on their varsity team and was recognized as "Mr. Hurricane" and "Mr. Leadership" of the squad.

Lake Weir coach Mark Hinterthan knew McFatten's future was bright after his stint on the JV team as a sophomore.

During that time span, McFatten was named to the All-Marion County team after recording 31 tackles, 3 sacks, and two blocked punts.

Not to mention he was named the team's "Defensive Player of the Year" by season's end.

Ocala's newspaper, The Star-Banner, reported on April 13th that McFatten had offers from Wingate, Emory and Henry, Concordia and Averett, with Catawba ultimately winning the race.

The Indians graduated two-time All-SAC linebacker Charles McAfee and Charlie Walker after last season's 6-4 campaign.

McFatten and other newcomers will look to replenish and solidify Catawba's linebacking corp and special team's needs in the future.
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2009 Division II Preseason Consensus Draft Services All-American Teams

The Consensus Draft Services released their annual Division II preseason All-American teams on Tuesday morning.

Senior left tackle Terence Crosby headlines the offensive linemen as a first team pick. The 6'2 300 pound Crosby will be a four-year starter this fall and was recognized as an AFCA All-American in 2008.

Other Catawba Indians can be found on this All-American squad, and they are listed in the honorable mention section.

UNC quarterback Cameron Sexton has yet to take a snap in Salisbury, NC, but the CDS selection committee felt that the Tribe's transfer signal-caller will be one of the nation's more productive players in 2009.

Sexton played in eight games during his junior season for the Tar Heels, completing 94 of 168 attempts for 1,261 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Defensive end Marcus Davis is also listed as an honorable mention pick on the defensive line.

Davis is one of many Indian prospects creating pro buzz after a sensational junior year.

In 2008, the 6'2 240 pound defensive end registered 37 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and six sacks.

Another senior defensive lineman, Melquan Fair, joins Davis on the honorable mention team.

Fair has been a cornerstone to Catawba's 4-3 scheme each of the past two seasons.

As a two time First Team All-SAC pick, Fair collected 36 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks last season. Full Story