McRae has big goals to make it to the top

Hollywood (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna receiver Fred McRae is not the biggest, fastest or strongest wide receiver out there, but he is a gamer. The 5-foot-9, 155 lb athlete is the type of player that makes big plays when his team needs it and has some of the best hands in the state of Florida.

"I am putting in work this off-season. I am just going to focus on offense and special teams this year. My hands and route running are real solid right now, but I want to continue to improve. I am working hard on my speed and getting stronger. I plan to be much faster and bigger by my senior year. I plan on getting over 50 catches this year."

Although the talent may be god given, it is the work ethic that sets McRae apart from others.

"I just love working out. I love working up a good sweat. Every single day I try to improve. When others are out partying or at the mall, I want to work out. I figure if I do just a little bit to improve, every day, I will get to where I want to be."

That work ethic has paid off as his offer list continues to grow. He is currently up to six offers and is continuing to work to increase that list.

"I currently have six offers. I have offers from South Florida, University of Illinois, Rutgers, Kansas, Florida International and Central Florida. I am open to all schools right now. It is nice to have some schools after me right now, but I don't have any leaders. I just want to take plenty of visits, feel out some schools and get an idea of the best school for me."

His recruitment really started to take off after a strong performance at a local camp in January. Coaching staffs took notice and the offers started to roll in.

"I was at the Under Armour combine in January. I definitely did my thing. I worked on route running, pass catching and just showing my explosion off the line. People were definitely taking notice and I got a lot of compliments after the combine. That is the stuff that shows you are doing what you are supposed to out there."

McRae planned on visiting some schools over the last few months, however timing issues hindered those potential visits. He did make one visit that he really enjoyed.

"I was up at the Miami Junior Day. It was a good time. They got that new staff so it was nice meeting them. I was able to meet the coaches and new head coach Al Golden. They all seemed real cool and it was a place I could see myself at, but right now, they haven't offered me so I am not looking at them as much. I would like to hear more from them though. I'd like to hear more from Miami, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Southern Cal."

McRae has big dreams of playing in college and in the NFL and there are two players that he watches and models his game after.

"I am like De'Sean Jackson on the field. He is faster, but I got really good hands and I'm pretty explosive. I feel I can hang with everyone and that is the attitude he has. I also like to watch Titus Young from Boise State and play like him. He is going to play on Sundays and he always brings it."