| Ray McCartney |
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Ray McCartney begins his eighth season at Wake Forest and his 14th year alongside head coach Jim Grobe. McCartney is Wake Forest's recruiting coordinator and defensive tackles coach.
In 2007, McCartney's defensive tackles were the first line of defense for a unit that allowed just 109.4 rushing yards per game, the fourth-best mark in Wake Forest history. Only one opposing player was able to rush for 100 yards against the Deacons.
The starters on that front line were senior Zach Stukes, and sophomores Boo Robinson and John Russell. Robinson and Russell each return in 2008.
In 2006, McCartney's defensive front helped the Deacons hold opponents to just 105.8 yards per game and four 100-yard rushers. In 2005, the defensive tackles helped limit opponents to just 133.5 yards per game.
Prior to the 2004 season, the Deacons shifted from a 3-3-5 defensive alignment to a more traditional 4-3. At the same time, McCartney narrowed his focus to tackles after coaching the entire line for three years.
The results were a success as the Deacs allowed fewer rushing yards, passing yards and total points than in the previous season despite operating with a youthful defensive line.
In 2003, McCartney met the challenge of building a new defensive line. With all three starters graduating off the 2002 Seattle Bowl squad, Jerome Nichols emerged as an up-and-coming all-star candidate as a junior, leading Wake Forest in tackles for loss (11).
In 2002, Calvin Pace broke the school record for career tackles for loss and was named a first team All-American, WFU's first such honoree in 10 seasons. He was also named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News.
McCartney coached Montique Sharpe to honorable mention all-conference honors in 2002.
In 2001, two of McCartney's three starting defensive linemen were named to the All-ACC team -- senior defensive end Nate Bolling and Pace.
Seven of the graduates McCartney has coached since coming to Wake Forest have signed NFL contracts. Pace was a first-round draft selection (18th overall pick) of Arizona, Sharpe played for Kansas City, Bolling has spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and in NFL Europe, Nichols signed with Washington and Roderick Stephen was with the St. Louis Rams.
McCartney is well-known for his tireless recruiting efforts. Evidence of his work has already been realized, as McCartney has spearheaded the staff's recruiting efforts in the last seven signing classes.
Wake's 2008 recruiting class consisted of 17 prospects including eight from Florida. Wake Forest's 2006 ACC Championship and appearance in the FedEx Orange Bowl have helped to contribute to the Deacons' recruiting success in the Sunshine State. Wake Forest also remains a strong presence in North Carolina, having signed eight natives in the last two years. Greensboro's Kenny Okoro, from Dudley High School, highlighted Wake's signees from the Old North State in 2008.
The Deacons were particularly pleased to sign six in-state players in 2007, all of whom rated highly nationally, including Josh Adams, the 10th-rated running back in the nation; Alex Frye, the 50th-ranked safety; Dennis Godfrey, the 43rd-rated tight end; Tripp Russell, the 88th-ranked defensive end; Marshall Williams, the 142nd-rated wide receiver; and Matt Woodlief, the 41st-best linebacker prospect in America.
Thirteen of the 15 players that Wake Forest signed were ranked in the top 100 at their position by scouting services on a national level. The class was rated 55th nationally by ESPN.com, Wake Forest's best class in recent memory.
In 2005, Wake Forest inked 22 prep standouts including top in-state products Chris DeGeare, Brandon Ghee, Dominique Midgett and Mike Rinfrette, all of whom were ranked among the state's top 25 players.
In 2004, McCartney helped sign Jeremy Thompson from Charlotte who was a fourth round draft choice of the Green Bay Packers four years later. The Deacons also signed four of the top players out of Florida including Stanley Arnoux of Glades Day High School and a trio of players from Pahokee: D.J. Boldin, Alphonso Smith and Antonio Wilson.
McCartney served as Ohio's recruiting coordinator for six seasons and coached the outside linebackers for two years and the defensive line for four.
McCartney came to Ohio having previously coached at Ball State (1989-94) and Bowling Green (1985).
At BSU, McCartney helped guide the Cardinals to two MAC titles and two bowl appearances. At BGSU, McCartney helped the 1985 Falcons to an undefeated season (11-0), the MAC championship and the California Bowl.
McCartney also coached at Wittenberg (OH) University for three years. He helped the Tigers win a conference crown in 1988 and advance to the second round of the Division III national playoffs.
McCartney entered the college coaching ranks as a graduate assistant at North Carolina in 1984. In 1981, McCartney began his coaching career at New Bern (NC) High School. From 1981-83, he coached at Randleman (NC) High School for legendary coach Charlie Gregory. McCartney helped lead Randleman to three consecutive state titles.
McCartney received a master's degree from UNC in 1985 and a bachelor's degree in 1980 from Guilford College. He lettered at inside linebacker at Guilford.
McCartney is a native of Pelham Manor, N.Y. He is married to the former Wendy Torres and they have a son (his stepson), Spencer Van Fleet.
