Demario McCall is getting a chance to play in the NFL.
The versatile former Buckeye, who played running back, wide receiver and cornerback over the course of his Ohio State career, tweeted Sunday that he had received an NFL opportunity with the Chicago Bears. Per SI’s Andrew Lind, McCall has been invited to participate in the Chicago Bears’ rookie minicamp.
All I ever asked for was an opportunity, always hada grind a lil harder . Thankful and Bless lets Work.
— Boog (@DemarioMccall) May 1, 2022
McCall, who began his Ohio State career all the way back in 2016, never made the on-field impact many believed he would when he arrived in Columbus as the No. 44 overall recruit in his class. McCall moved between positions throughout his six years as a Buckeye, starting his career as a running back and moving between the backfield and slot receiver multiple times before eventually switching over to defense to play cornerback in 2021.
It’s uncertain which position he will ultimately play in the NFL, but his experience playing three different positions – as well as extensive experience on special teams, including kickoff returns – could help his chances of sticking around on a roster.
His team-first attitude should also help his chances, as he was lauded by his Ohio State coaches and teammates for his selflessness, leadership and positivity even though he never found a consistent role on offense or defense. He was specifically credited with sparking the Buckeyes’ second-half comeback against Utah in the Rose Bowl by giving a powerful halftime speech in his final game as a Buckeye.
“His impact, Coach Day just said it in the locker room and I think it needs to be said; I think Demario, his legacy in that program is gonna be left behind and it’s gonna be a big loss from a leadership standpoint,” former Ohio State safety Bryson Shaw said after the Rose Bowl. “He definitely didn’t get the credit I think he deserved just for how great of a man he is.”
While McCall will need to impress at minicamp just to earn a roster spot, he’ll undoubtedly have plenty of Ohio State coaches, fans and former teammates rooting for his success following his unwavering six-year commitment to the Buckeyes.
McCall will be one of two former Buckeyes at the Bears’ rookie minicamp along with Master Teague, who signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent. Should McCall earn a roster spot, he would become the third Buckeye on the Bears’ roster along with Teague and Justin Fields.
