The Saskatchewan Roughriders added a pair of Americans to their roster before training camp. Receiver Drae McCray and defensive lineman Kendy Charles expect to suit up in Saskatoon when rookie camp opens on May 7.
The five-foot-nine, 185-pound McCray spent the last two seasons at Texas Tech, appearing in 23 games for the Red Raiders. McCray starred as the team’s primary kick returner, returning 41 kickoffs for 1,113 yards and one touchdown over two seasons. He earned an All-Big 12 Honourable Mention in 2023 and 2024. On offence, he made 41 receptions for 329 yards and two touchdowns.
In 2023, McCray became one of the top returners in the NCAA. His 717 return yards ranked third in the NCAA, while his average of 27.6 yards per kickoff return was among the nation’s leaders and led the Big 12.
Of his 26 total returns on the season, seven went for at least 30 yards, tying him for third in the NCAA, and three were for 50 or more, tying him for first in the nation.
Known for his breakaway speed, McCray ran an unofficial 4.46 40-yard dash at Texas Tech’s pro day.
Charles, a six-foot, 287-pound DL, joins the Roughriders after spending last season at Duke University. He played in all 13 games for the Blue Devils, registering 50 tackles, including seven for a loss, two sacks, one fumble recovery, one pass breakup and one quarterback pressure.
Charles posted a career-high 11 tackles against Southern Methodist University in 2024 and added 10 against Virginia Tech. He also received Second Team All-ACC honours and was recognized for academic excellence.
