Marietta’s Jordan McCrary was selected 10th by New England in the first round of the MLS draft Thursday.
McCrary is a 5-foot-9 fullback who played at North Carolina. He was projected in most mock drafts to be selected within the top 10.
McCrary played for Concorde Fire and Lassiter High before he signed with the Tar Heels. A defensive-minded outside back, he started 86 games in four seasons, with one goal and nine assists.
McCrary waited with his parents Phyllis and Darold an hour before commissioner Don Garber announced that he had been selected. McCrary said it felt like forever.
“I’m just excited my name was called,” McCrary said. “I can’t wait to get excited with the Revs.”
He may not have to wait forever to play.
The Revolution let go of two right backs during the offseason, opening the door for McCrary. He said he had several meetings with the Revs before the draft.
“Hopefully I’ll get to showcase my talents as a quick, outside back that’s smart and knows how to move up and down the field,” he said.
The Revs finished fifth in the Eastern Conference last season with 50 points. They historically are one of the league’s more successful teams, finishing runners-up in the MLS Cup five times from 2002-14.
The team features U.S. international players Charlie Davies, Lee Nguyen and Juan Agudelo.
“It’s an opportunity to learn,” McCrary said.
