Film Room: Looking back on the best plays from the career of Roger McCreary
It is finally draft week. This is the biggest week of multiple Auburn player’s lives. After being an elite cover corner for 4 years, it is time for Roger McCreary to take his skills to the next level.
Everyone remembers what McCreary was rated in high school. Many were probably upset that Auburn had to “settle” for a 3-star with very little recruiting attention. He set out to prove many wrong, and that he did. It will be nearly impossible to fill his shoes. Let’s go back and relive some of his great moments.
“He’s got a foot race to the end zone!” – Andy Burcham
The opening game of the 2020 season was a tough one for Auburn. Kentucky was about to score and steal all the momentum going into half. McCreary pulled his Houdini act in the end zone and took it coast to coast. A call that I’d rather not go into was called to bring it back, but his ability to seemingly come out of nowhere and make these plays was wild.
Andy Burcham on the call: “Rodriguez at tailback. Wilson wants to throw to the end zone, he throws AND IT’s PICKED OFF! PICKED OFF BY ROGER MCCREARY! DOWN THE SIDELINE, MCCREARY! HE’s AT THE 40. HE’s GOT A FOOT RACE TO THE END ZONE! MCCREARY, DOWN THE SIDELINE HE’S GONNA GO! TOUCHDOWN MCCREARY, TOUCHDOWN AUBURN!!“
“And it’s broken up by McCreary again!” – Brad Nessler
Auburn didn’t win this overtime Iron Bowl, but it wasn’t because of McCreary. The last play of the game was a near impossible ask for McCreary to cover. Other than that, the former 3-star went toe-to-toe with the talented Alabama receivers. He recorded 4 pass break ups in the game. This clip was one of the big ones as it brought a 4th down and then a missed field goal.
Gary Danielson had a nice quote shortly after this play: “McCreary having one of those days that EVERYONE will notice.”
McCreary picks off Corral in the end zone
After already making a massive play in the end zone earlier in 2020, McCreary did it again. It was almost as if he became invisible in the end zone. Just when you thought the other team was about to score, McCreary would pop up and pick it or knock it down. He just knows how to read it and can react as quick as anyone in the condensed space. He shouldn’t have taken it out, but he wanted redemption from the other 100 yard pick being called back for a bogus call.
Andy Burcham on the call: “Corral, one step drop. Looks to the end zone, throws AND IS INTERCEPTED! INTERCEPTED IN THE BACK OF THE END ZONE BY ROGER MCCREARY! AND HE BRINGS IT OUT FOR THE AUBURN TIGERS AND IS DOWN AT THE 2.”
“Against power-5 football teams, that’s the first interception Burrow has thrown since the Texas game.” – Gary Danielson
This was a special one for McCreary. Not only was it his first interception, but it came against eventual Heisman winner Joe Burrow. Not to mention, he was covering Jamar Chase, who had beaten him once or twice earlier that day. When McCreary started winning some of those one-on-one battles that day, he started to earn some respect.
Gary Danielson would point this play out later throughout McCreary’s career as the moment he knew he was for real.
Andy Burcham on the call: “Jefferson and Sullivan wide left for LSU. Play action, Burrow throws to the sideline for Chase, AND IT’s PICKED OFF AT THE GOAL LINE!“
