Renowned as one of the greatest cornerbacks, kick returners, and all-around players in North Carolina A&T program history, McRae returned to Aggieland on January 13, 2025, when head coach Shawn Gibbs appointed him as the Aggies’ defensive back coach and pro liaison. Following his first year in this role, Gibbs added the title of special teams coordinator to McRae’s responsibilities.
Before returning to his alma mater, McRae spent three seasons (2022-24) as North Carolina Central University’s cornerbacks coach. With McRae on staff, the Eagles won the 2022 MEAC title, the 2022 Celebration Bowl, and the Black College Football national championship.
In 2022, the Eagles led the nation in red zone defense. Additionally, NCCU led the MEAC in fewest passing yards allowed and ranked 22nd nationally. They also ranked 12th nationally and second in the conference with 15 interceptions.
Two years later, the Eagles secondary helped the team rank first in the MEAC and fourth nationwide in fewest passing yards allowed. The Eagles also intercepted 13 passes, finishing 27th nationally and second in the MEAC. Before entering coaching, McRae had a legendary career at A&T.
In 2015, he earned All-American honors from BoxToRow and BSN, as well as first-team All-MEAC recognition as a cornerback. That same year, McRae helped the Aggies win the inaugural Celebration Bowl—which also secured a black college football national championship—while leading the team in tackles.
The following season, McRae secured first-team All-MEAC accolades and was named second-team All-MEAC as a return specialist. By the end of his playing career at A&T, the Aggies had compiled a 35-14 (.714) record, won two MEAC championships, and made both a Celebration Bowl and NCAA FCS playoff appearance.
McRae ended his career with nine interceptions, 22 pass defenses, and 112 tackles. His stellar collegiate career led to five seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills.
McRae graduated from A&T with a degree in English.
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