Pitt Lands Speedy WR Demetrice McCray, Who Brings Versatility and Big-Play Potential
Pitt just added a dynamic piece to its 2025 recruiting class in wide receiver Demetrice McCray, a 6-foot, 180-pound playmaker out of The First Academy in Orlando, Florida. McCray is one of four wideouts signing with the Panthers today, and while he may not be the biggest target in the room, he brings something that fits exactly what this staff is looking for: speed, versatility, and a competitive edge.
Why Pitt? It Was All About the Connection
McCray’s decision to commit to Pitt wasn’t about flashy visits or campus tours - in fact, he made his pledge without ever stepping foot on campus. What drove his commitment was the relationships he built with assistant coaches JJ Laster and Kade Bell, and the trust that came with it.
“It was all about conversations and building relationships,” McCray said after his commitment. “And out of all of my schools I got, they built the best relationship with me. That's why I picked Pitt.”
That kind of trust matters, especially in a recruiting landscape where players often bounce between offers and visits. McCray had plenty of options - Boston College, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville, Mississippi State, NC State, North Carolina, Ole Miss, Purdue, UCF, Wake Forest, and West Virginia all extended offers - but he never wavered.
He didn’t take visits elsewhere. His commitment to Pitt was solid from the start.
A Senior Season Against Top Competition
McCray’s senior year wasn’t without its challenges. His team, The First Academy, was ruled ineligible for the Florida state playoffs due to the use of ineligible players. That limited his season to 10 games, but the schedule was no cakewalk - TFA played a national slate, giving McCray the chance to test himself against some of the best high school teams in the country.
Despite a rotating quarterback situation, McCray still found ways to produce. He led his team with 943 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns, showing off his ability to impact the game as a receiver, a rusher, and in the return game. That adaptability is a big part of what makes him intriguing at the next level.
Over his final two seasons at TFA, McCray totaled 65 receptions for 1,339 yards and 13 touchdowns across 18 games. His team went 5-5 this year, but closed the season with a statement win over Lakeland, a powerhouse still alive in the Florida 5A postseason. That kind of performance - especially in a tough environment - speaks to McCray’s ability to rise to the moment.
How He Fits at Pitt
Pitt’s wide receiver room is going through a bit of a makeover, and McCray is a key part of that transition. Offensive coordinator Kade Bell clearly has a type: fast, explosive receivers who can stretch the field and create mismatches. McCray checks those boxes.
At 6-0, 180, he’s not built to be a jump-ball guy, but he’s solidly put together and plays with a toughness that should translate well to the college level. He’ll enter a crowded competition for reps, with returning veterans like Kenny Johnson, Blue Hicks, and Censere Lee still in the mix. And with the transfer portal always in play, the coaching staff could still add more weapons for quarterback Mason Heintschel.
That said, McCray’s skill set gives him a real shot to get on the field early - if he can make an impression. His speed and versatility could earn him a look in special teams or as a gadget player while he develops into a more complete receiver.
Bottom Line
Demetrice McCray isn’t just another name in the recruiting class - he’s a scheme fit who brings the kind of game-breaking speed this Pitt staff is prioritizing. He’s already shown he can produce against elite competition, and his commitment to the program - built on trust and relationships - sets a strong foundation for what’s ahead.
If he can hit the ground running in camp, don’t be surprised if McCray forces his way into the rotation sooner rather than later.