East County Athlete of the Week: CJ McRae II

CJ McRae II is a senior running back on the Lakewood Ranch High football team. McRae had the Mustangs' lone score, a 46-yard touchdown run, in their 6-0 road spring game win over George Jenkins High May 17. McRae averaged five yards per carry in 2023 and is positioned to be the team's feature back in 2024. 

When did you start playing football?

I started when I was in third grade. I used to play soccer, but I liked hitting people, so my mom (Stephanie Pacheco) suggested I play football. 

What is the appeal to you?

It's just fun to play. Like I said, I like being able to hit people without getting in trouble. 

What is your best skill?

I feel like I am explosive. Once I'm in the open field, 99 percent of the time I am going to score. I'm shifty. 

What are you working to improve this summer?

My vision. I already have good vision, but when I watch film, there's some stuff I feel like I could have done differently and had a better result if I saw it. 

What is your favorite memory?

During my sophomore year I was a backup on the varsity team. But when we played Palmetto High, our starting running back (Kevin Everhart) got hurt, so I got to go in for a play. It was a third and 10, and I ran a wheel route and caught the first down. That was a pretty cool moment for me. I scored my first touchdown against Bayshore High two games later, and that was a fun time with the team also. 

What's the mood of the team after this spring season?

Coach P (Scott Paravicini) has us going down a good path. If we keep working hard I think we can be a great team. 

What are your goals for the 2024 season?

I want to average at least 100 yards a game to hit 1,000 for the season. Touchdown-wise, I'd like two a game — one rushing and one receiving. 

What is your favorite food?

Chicken wings. For sauce, either mild Buffalo or lemon pepper. 

What is your favorite movie?

I like "The Batman," the one with Robert Pattinson. 

What is your favorite subject?

I like history. Learning about other countries and how different wars went down, it makes me thankful to be a U.S. citizen. We're blessed to live here. 

What are your hobbies?

I'll go fishing all day. I like both bass fishing and saltwater fishing. 

What is the best advice you have received?

My dad (Cullen McRae) told me that the grass is not always greener on the other side. Trust the process where you are and don't worry about anything else. 

Finish this sentence: "CJ McRae II is …"

Humble. I know that anything could be taken away at any moment. I just let my work on the field do the talking.