Orlando, Fla. (WCIA) — Junior running back Josh McCray made an instant impact when he arrived at Illinois back in 2021 as Bret Bielema’s first high school commit at Illinois.

After dealing with injuries each of the last two seasons, McCray returned to freshman form and set new career-highs in yards from scrimmage (725) and 11 touchdowns (10 rushing, one receiving).

McCray put a bow on the bounce-back season with season-high 114 yards and two rushing touchdowns against South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.

The Alabama native said Bielema’s interest in him as a running back out of high school was important, when other schools wanted him to play defense.

“The relationship (with Bielema) just came from the first call where he said I can play running back because I did not want to play defense in D-1, like nah,” McCray said.

“So I saw his tape and said tell him he’s a running back, and that’s what we got to ourselves this day, but I love his humility. I love his passion,” Bielema said.

“He cares about people in a very special, unique way, and he never looks for outward excuses or anything, but just works hard, does a lot of really good things to make these days happen.”

“I was super excited for him.”