ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – Thirteen former Knights saw action in the NFL in Week 2, highlighted by Justin McCray's first career start. McCray made his Sunday Night Football debut as his Green Bay Packers took on the Atlanta Falcons.
McCray, who most recently played for the Orlando Predators in the Arena Football League, beat the odds just to make the Packers' 53-man roster. After getting cut by the Tennessee Titans following a year on the practice squad in 2014, McCray spent a year participating in NFL minicamps and CFL tryouts, but nothing stuck.
This past spring, McCray was able to take part in UCF's pro day, which was where he caught the eye of the Packers. From there he signed on as a free agent and made the 90-man offseason roster. His tireless work and impressive play during preseason earned him a spot on the 53-man regular season roster.
On Sunday night, he made his first career start in the NFL.
Green Bay Guard Jahri Evans on McCray
"I think he did a hell of a job. (Beasley) led the league in sacks last year. He's not an easy out. He stepped up to the task."
First NFL start on #SNF ??
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 18, 2017
Get after it, @64jdm ??#BuiltByUCF pic.twitter.com/csibqj5bR2
McCarthy on Justin McCray at right tackle: "I think he did a good job. I thought he did his job. He was physical, he was tough."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 19, 2017
Following up his 58-yard field goal in Week 1, Matt Prater was back at it in Week 2 with a 56-yarder as the Detroit Lions defeated the New York Giants on Monday Night Football. Prater's 12th straight made field goal of 50 or more yards, just barely got over.
Juuuust good. ?? ??#DETvsNYG pic.twitter.com/REVDExt5jA
— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2017
With that 56-yd FG to end the first half, @MattPrater_5 is the first player in #Lions history with 55+yard FGs in back-to-back games. pic.twitter.com/eUSkWFs2LK
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 19, 2017
#BUILTBYUCF – WEEK 2
Kamar Aiken: 3 catches for 31 yards
Blake Bortles: 20/34 for 223 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT, 4 rushes for 29 yards
A.J. Bouye: 6 tackles
Shaquill Griffin: Played vs. San Francisco
Charley Hughlett: Played vs. Baltimore
Kemal Ishmael: Played vs. Green Bay
Brandon Marshall: 1 catch for 17 yards
Justin McCray: Started vs. Falcons
Latavius Murray: 3 rushes for 6 yards
Breshad Perriman: Played vs. Cleveland
Matt Prater: 1/1 FG, 56 yards
Josh Robinson: Played vs. Chicago
Josh Sitton: Started vs. Tampa Bay
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.