Tag: McCall

Oct 5, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Grayson McCall (2) gets tackled without his helmet by Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Quincy Bryant (9) and linebacker Dylan Hazen (24) during the first half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State QB Grayson McCall (concussions) retires from football

Posted on | by Field Level Media

North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall said Wednesday night that he is retiring from football after his latest head injury.

McCall sustained two concussions this season and hasn’t played since being carted off the field against Wake Forest on Oct. 5. His helmet flew off from the hit and he was briefly unconscious before taken to a hospital for evaluation. He was released later that night.

Last season, while playing for Coastal Carolina, McCall sustained a season-ending concussion in an Oct. 21 game at Arkansas State. On that occasion, he was taken off the field via ambulance and hospitalized overnight.

“Unfortunately, my dream has been cut just short,” McCall wrote on Instagram. “As you all know, I have battled injuries my whole career, but this is one that I cannot come back from.

“I have done everything I can to continue, but this is where the good Lord has called me to serve in a different space. Brain specialists, my family, and I have come to the conclusion that it is in my best interest to hang the cleats up.”

McCall was a three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year at Coastal Carolina before transferring to the Wolfpack after last season.

He passed for 518 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in four games for NC State. McCall sustained his first concussion of this season against Louisiana Tech on Sept. 14 and missed two games before returning against Wake Forest.

Overall, McCall passed for 10,523 yards and 91 touchdowns against just 16 interceptions in 46 games over parts of six college seasons. He completed 69.6 percent of his passes and is the most decorated player in Coastal Carolina history.

“Every time my feet hit the grass, I left every single ounce of myself on that field,” McCall said. “I always played my hardest and to the best of my ability because I never knew what play would be my last. I have no regrets throughout my career and that is something I can be proud of.”

McCall will remain an active player with the team for the rest of the season. The Wolfpack (4-4, 1-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) are next in action against visiting Stanford on Nov. 2.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Grayson McCall (2) gets tackled without his helmet by Wake Forest Demon Deacons linebacker Quincy Bryant (9) and linebacker Dylan Hazen (24) during the first half of the game at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

NC State QB Grayson McCall carted off after fierce hit

Posted on | by Field Level Media

North Carolina State quarterback Grayson McCall was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to a hospital after a hard hit knocked off his helmet during the first quarter of the Wolfpack’s 34-30 loss to visiting Wake Forest on Saturday in Raleigh, N.C.

McCall was involved in a collision with three Wake Forest players while scrambling for yardage. He appeared to be momentarily knocked out after the initial contact and was fitted with a neck brace before being put on the stretcher and carted off.

McCall displayed movement in his arms and signaled to the crowd with his hand while being taken off the playing surface.

“Grayson, once he came to, he was talking, and said, ‘I want the boys to win the game,’” NC State coach Dave Doeren said after the game. “He was trying to get up and the (medic) wouldn’t let him. I felt for him and his parents.”

The school said Saturday night that McCall was out of the hospital.

“Some great news: quarterback Grayson McCall has been released from the hospital. He is alert and in good spirits and all scans were normal,” the school said.

McCall has a history of concussions but the school didn’t reveal if he sustained one Saturday. McCall also left a game against Louisiana on Sept. 14 after taking a hit and the school never specified what type of injury he sustained.

The contest against Wake Forest was his first appearance since the Louisiana game.

McCall suffered a season-ending concussion last year when he played for Coastal Carolina. He was taken off the field via ambulance and hospitalized after that one, sustained Oct. 21 at Arkansas State.

McCall was a three-time Sun Belt Player of the Year in four seasons at Coastal Carolina before transferring to the Wolfpack after last season.

NC State offensive lineman Tim McKay said it was tough to watch the scene play out.

“It was heartbreaking to see that,” McKay told reporters. “He’s a guy who fought hard for us. He came here from Coastal, is a captain. Seeing him go down earlier in the season and go down again this week is kind of disheartening. We know how hard he works for us. It’s really sad seeing that.”

McCall completed 3 of 5 passes for 42 yards before exiting Saturday. He has completed 53 of 80 passes (66.3 percent) for 518 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions in four games this season.

CJ Bailey replaced McCall and passed for 272 yards, two touchdowns and one interception for NC State.

–Field Level Media

Sep 14, 2024; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Grayson McCall (2) runs with the football against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

With QB Grayson McCall out, NC State tabs CJ Bailey

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With NC State quarterback Grayson McCall ruled out for Saturday’s game at No. 21 Clemson, coach Dave Doeren announced Monday that true freshman CJ Bailey will make his first career start.

Doeren told reporters at his weekly news conference that McCall is “day-to-day” after suffering an undisclosed injury in the second quarter of a 30-20 weekend win against Louisiana Tech.

McCall, who has a history of concussions, was hit by Louisiana Tech’s blitzing linebacker Zach Zimos with just over 5 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter and was slow to get up. He was 9-of-13 passing for 54 yards and rushed four times for 22 yards before exiting.

“We’re going to take our time, and when he’s ready, he’ll be ready,” said Doeren, who declined to get into specifics regarding McCall’s injury but said it wasn’t season-ending. “CJ is ready to play.”

In relief of McCall, Bailey went 13-of-20 passing for 156 yards and an interception against Louisiana Tech. He also rushed for a touchdown in the comeback victory for the Wolfpack (2-1).

“I was really proud of the way that the team rallied around CJ,” Doeren said. “At halftime, when he knew it was his time to play, he was ready for the moment.”

As NC State seeks its first win at Clemson in 22 years, Doeren is eager to see what Bailey can do with his opportunity in the ACC opener for both teams.

“They’ve got a great defensive line, and they do a lot of blitzing, so we’ve got to give them all the looks — not just him, the O-line and the protections with the backs,” the Wolfpack coach said. “Obviously, crowd noise is going to be a part of what we’re doing every day, and making sure our cadence functions in the noise that we’re going to be dealing with.

“Then just schematically, doing the things that he’s best at, and then letting him play ball. That’s the one thing about him. He’s a football player. That kid understands the game. He’s a winner, and he’s excited. I’m excited for him.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) warms up prior to the game against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

NC State grabs QB Grayson McCall from transfer portal

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Grayson McCall plans to play at NC State as a grad transfer after four seasons as quarterback at Coastal Carolina.

McCall confirmed the move on Wednesday, one year after he entered the transfer portal but did a U-turn and spent the 2023 season as quarterback of the Chanticleers. He played in only seven games and had 10 touchdowns and six interceptions.

He left the field in an ambulance after a helmet-to-helmet hit in his final game for Coastal on Oct. 21 and was diagnosed with a concussion. McCall missed the final five games of the season.

McCall, a three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, did eclipse 10,000 passing yards as a redshirt senior in 2023. He has 88 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and 18 rushing touchdowns.

He had more than 8,000 passing yards in his first three seasons running the spread scheme under Jamey Chadwell. Chadwell took the coaching job at Liberty last December, when McCall initially entered the transfer portal. When he returned to Coastal, McCall stepped into a new offense under head coach Tim Beck.

A native of Indian Trail, N.C., McCall had only five offers out of high school. Army, Gardner-Webb, Eastern Kentucky and Chattanooga also offered scholarships.

NC State is losing sixth-year quarterback Brennan Armstrong, a graduate transfer from Virginia who had 11 touchdowns and six interceptions for the Wolfpack in 2023.

McCall established the FBS record in passing efficiency rating at 207.6 in 2021. Alabama’s Mac Jones (203.1) set the previous record in 2020, beating the mark established by LSU’s Joe Burrow (202.0) in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Sep 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) sets to throw a pass in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall released from hospital after hit

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Coastal Carolina standout quarterback Grayson McCall was released from a hospital on Sunday after spending the night in Jonesboro, Ark., after being stretchered off the field during Saturday’s 27-17 road win over Arkansas State.

McCall was the recipient of a fierce late hit from Arkansas State’s Trevian Thomas as he slid to the ground on a 9-yard scramble with 11:40 remaining in the game. He appeared to hit his head on the turf and was down for several minutes before eventually being placed on a stretcher and taken via ambulance to the hospital.

McCall gave a thumbs-up signal while being carted off the field.

The school said Sunday that McCall was on his way back to campus in Conway, S.C.

“As a precautionary measure, Grayson was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation and observation last night,” the school said in a statement. “He was alert and conscious with movement in all extremities.

“Grayson has been released and is heading back to Conway. He is in excellent spirits and the results of his scans have been very positive. We extend our appreciation for the medical care delivered by Arkansas State and Jonesboro.”

The school requested “time and space to go through this recovery process” for McCall, but it didn’t divulge the extent of his injuries.

McCall was 24-of-28 passing for 244 yards and two touchdowns during the victory. He went over 10,000 career passing yards, finishing the game with 10,005 for his four-year career.

Earlier in the game, the three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year became the Chanticleers’ all-time leader in passing yardage, surpassing Alex Ross (9,918 from 2012-15).

This season, McCall has passed for 1,919 yards, 10 touchdowns and six interceptions in seven games. He has thrown a school-record 88 career touchdown passes.

Jarrett Guest finished as the quarterback against Arkansas State.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2022; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) throws the ball prior to a game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall to transfer

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall entered the transfer portal on Monday, leaving the Chanticleers without the redshirt junior captain in the Birmingham Bowl.

Head coach Jamey Chadwell left the program to take over at Liberty earlier this month.

McCall’s decision to transfer comes nearly one year after he threw four TD passes and Coastal Carolina beat Northern Illinois in the Cure Bowl, 47-41, for the program’s first bowl victory.

McCall, a three-time Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year, is 28-4 as a starter and returned from a monthlong layoff from a foot injury to start the conference championship game against Troy.

He had 24 touchdowns and two interceptions this season and posted career marks of 8,019 yards with 78 touchdowns and eight interceptions plus 1,053 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns.

McCall had only five offers out of high school as a two-star recruit. Army, Gardner-Webb, Eastern Kentucky and Chattanooga also offered scholarships.

Coastal Carolina (9-3) faces East Carolina (7-5) in the Birmingham Bowl on Dec. 27.

Backup Jarrett Guest started two games for the Chanticleers, though veteran backup Bryce Carpenter has also been given an opportunity in games when McCall isn’t available.

McCall established the FBS record in passing efficiency rating at 207.6 in 2021. Alabama’s Mac Jones (203.1) set a record in 2020, beating the mark established by LSU’s Joe Burrow (202.0) in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2022; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) throw a pass warmups prior to a game against the Georgia Southern Eagles at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall (knee) to miss at least 3 games

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Coastal Carolina standout quarterback Grayson McCall will miss the final three regular-season games due to a foot injury.

The school said Wednesday that McCall will be sidelined 3-6 weeks due to the injury that he sustained during last weekend’s 35-28 win against Appalachian State.

The timetable also could render him unavailable for a postseason bowl game.

McCall has passed for 2,314 yards, 21 touchdowns and one interception this season while seeking his third consecutive Sun Belt Player of the Year award.

Overall, McCall is 28-3 as a starter for the Chanticleers and has thrown for 7,700 yards and 75 touchdowns against just seven interceptions during his college career. He also has rushed for 1,035 yards and 15 scores.

In 2021, McCall set an NCAA record for passing efficiency (207.6).

Either Bryce Carpenter or Jarrett Guest will draw the start when Coastal Carolina (8-1, 5-1 Sun Belt) hosts Southern Miss (5-4, 3-2) on Saturday. Guest has thrown six passes this season and Carpenter has tossed four.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) attempts a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second half of the 2021 Cure Bowl game at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall lands NIL deal with Darlington Raceway

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Coastal Carolina quarterback Grayson McCall has reached a Name, Image and Likeness deal with Darlington Raceway in South Carolina.

McCall, a junior, is the first college athlete to partner with a NASCAR track.

“Grayson McCall is one of the finest quarterbacks in college football, so we are proud to partner with him as the first NASCAR owned track NIL athlete,” Darlington Raceway president Kerry Tharp said in a news release. “Grayson has had a dynamic collegiate career setting NCAA and school records and has lived his entire life in the Carolinas.

“His playing style exemplifies toughness and competitiveness, and he is the ideal athlete to help promote Darlington’s Too Tough To Tame brand.”

McCall is 20-2 as a starting quarterback. The two-time Sun Belt Player of the Year set an NCAA record for passing efficiency (207.6) last season and has 54 touchdowns against just six interceptions for the Chanticleers.

McCall, a native of Indian Trail, N.C., will participate on the track’s digital platforms as well as some marketing campaigns. He also will be promoting NASCAR and Darlington on his personal social-media accounts.

Coastal Carolina is located in Conway, S.C., approximately 65 miles away from Darlington.

“I love this town and this area. Coastal Carolina kind of made me into who I am,” McCall said. “I love this school and I love the people here in the region and with Darlington being right down the road and a huge part of the sports culture, partnering with them just makes sense.

“It just helps fulfill a legacy I want to leave here. Plus, going a couple hundred miles an hour is kind of my thing too.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) attempts a pass against the Northern Illinois Huskies during the second half of the 2021 Cure Bowl game at Exploria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall undergoes surgery

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Coastal Carolina standout quarterback Grayson McCall will miss spring drills after undergoing surgery on Thursday.

The school declined to reveal details of the surgery, but McCall posted a picture on his Twitter account showing his right (throwing) arm in a sling. He was posing with renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews.

“Surgery went better than expected! Extremely thankful for Dr. Andrews and his staff for getting me right,” McCall tweeted. “I truly appreciate all the prayers and messages over the last couple of days. Be right back, gotta go attack this rehab!”

The school said McCall will be ready for the 2022 regular season.

McCall missed two games in November due to what the school termed an “upper-body injury.” He missed those games after departing a 35-28 victory over Troy in the third quarter on Oct. 28 when he was the recipient of a hard tackle.

McCall passed for 2,873 yards, 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions in 11 games this season while winning Sun Belt Player of the Year honors for the second straight season. He guided Coastal Carolina to an 11-2 record.

McCall considered entering the NFL draft after this season before electing to remain with the Chanticleers.

Coastal Carolina also said that defensive end Josaiah Stewart will miss spring practices due to an unspecified surgery. Stewart had 12.5 sacks in 2021 and earned some freshman All-American honors.

–Field Level Media

Oct 28, 2021; Conway, South Carolina, USA; Coastal Carolina Chanticleers quarterback Grayson McCall (10) pror to a game against the Troy Trojans at Brooks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Coastal Carolina QB Grayson McCall out indefinitely

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Coastal Carolina star quarterback Grayson McCall was ruled out of Saturday night’s game at Georgia Southern with the school also declaring he is out indefinitely with an “upper-body injury.”

The school made the announcement approximately 75 minutes prior to Saturday’s contest.

Bryce Carpenter started in McCall’s place. Carpenter has thrown 19 passes — two for touchdowns — this season.

McCall departed last week’s 35-28 victory over Troy in the third quarter after he was the recipient of a hard tackle.

McCall has passed for 2,063 yards, 17 touchdowns and two interceptions this season while helping the Chanticleers to a 7-1 start.

Last season, McCall passed for 2,400 yards with 26 touchdowns and three interceptions and was Sun Belt Player of the year as Coastal Carolina went 11-1.

–Field Level Media