New Orleans Breakers Sign HBCU Football Stars RB Gray and WR McClain

Alabama State and Southern football stars signed a deal with the New Orleans Breakers.

Kyle T. Mosley | May 20, 2022

The USFL's decision to expand its rosters from 48 to 50 players has given HBCU football stars an opportunity to shine professionally.

The New Orleans Breakers announced the signings of Southern University's wide receiver Marquis McClain and Alabama State's Ezra Gray.

On Friday morning, the USFL franchise reported the free-agent signings of Gray and McClain. The players went undrafted in April's 2022 NFL Draft.

MARQUIS MCCLAIN - WR

McClain participated in the New York Jets rookie minicamp but wasn't selected to the training camp roster contract. The wide receiver is a hybrid between a wide receiver and a tight end.

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At Southern University's Pro Day, McClain posted an impressive 4.5-second time in the 40-yard dash while NFL scouts and executives watched from the sidelines. The Southern Jaguar has great hands and is a playmaker.

EZRA GRAY - RB

Gray has been waiting for his chance to latch on with a professional team. The former Alabama State running back was known for his shiftiness and speed out of the backfield. During the SWAC Spring games of 2021, Gray recorded 300+ all-purpose yards on Jackson State.

His 2021 season was less than eventful as the team went through coaching changes and finished with 401 rushing yards, two rushing, and two receiving touchdowns. Gray is a problem to tackle in the open field and had excellent breakaway speed.

McClain and Gray were participants at the inaugural HBCU Legacy Bowl in February.

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Published May 20, 2022

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019. Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four. My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances: WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert), KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews: Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns. For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: