UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. – Following three seasons and an outstanding career with Saginaw Valley State University football, Nate McCrary signed a priority free agent contract to join the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League.

"I was extremely excited to receive a call from the Ravens, it is a blessing," McCrary said. "I have worked for this since I was eight years old and all I can do is thank god."

McCrary played in 33 games at Running back for the Cardinals, rushing the ball 377 times for 1,889 yards and 28 touchdowns. In his junior and final season in 2019 with SVSU, the Muskegon, Mich., native set career highs with 1,060 yards and 6.3 yards per carry.

"We are extremely excited and happy for Nate," SVSU Head Coach Ryan Brady said. "He has worked extremely hard to get to this moment and I am so proud of him. We are thrilled that Nate will have an opportunity to pursue his dream and continue his journey in the National Football League. Nate, we all wish you the very best moving forward! Keep Earning It!"

In 2019 McCrary was named to the All-GLIAC First Team. He ranks fourth on the SVSU career rushing touchdowns all-time list.

McCrary is the first SVSU football student-athlete to sign with an NFL team since the same Ravens signed Michael Alexander in 2019.