As a senior, McAda set a school record for passing yards. That year, he was named the offensive MVP of the district as a senior at Mesquite High School in Mesquite, Texas. In addition to district MVP, he was also named as his team's offensive MVP.
College career
1994
After spending 1993 on the Junior varsity team, McAda played all 11 games in the 1994 season, starting 8 at quarterback.
He began the season as the fourth player on the depth chart at that position. However, due to the injuries to starters Rick Roeper and Mike Makovec, he took over during a game against Temple and remained as starter for the remainder of the season.
1995
Started all 11 games at quarterback. McAda was second on the team in rushing yards with a career season highs 701 yards while passing for 761.
1996
Started 9 games at quarterback, missing two due to a deep bone bruise above his left ankle. Despite this, he still had an impressive statistical showing. McAda passed for a career high of 954 yards and set a team record for single season completion percentage at the time with 63.2%.
In a game against Navy, McAda rushed for a career best 134 yards in a 28-24 victory. McAda finished his career at Army with 2,333 passing yards and 1,703 rushing yards. This sums to 4,036 yards of total offense, good enough for sixth in school history.