LeSean McCoy was one of the top college football recruits in the country two years ago. Now, he might be the best unknown Football Bowl Subdivision player in the country.
McCoy, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound freshman, leads Pittsburgh with 503 yards rushing and 6 touchdowns on 84 carries. He is also tied for a team-high 14 receptions for 44 yards, and has completed an 18-yard pass.
“When I go in there I have the attitude to do whatever my team needs,” McCoy said. “One guy might have a long pass or run, but my role might be to make a block.”
Regardless of what play Pitt runs, McCoy will play a major role in nearly every one when he leads the Panthers (2-3) against Navy (3-2) tonight at 8 at Heinz Field in a nonconference game televised nationally on ESPN.
McCoy was the ranked the fourth-best prospect in the country by Rivals.com in 2005, his senior year at Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg, Pa.
However, he broke his right ankle midway through his senior season, causing him to finish as Pennsylvania?s ninth-all time high school leading rusher with 6,640 yards and 75 touchdowns.
His playing career became even more in doubt after he failed to meet the academic requirements to play as a college freshman, forcing him to attend prep school ? Milford Academy in New Berlin, N.Y. ? to improve his grades.
At Milford, he rushed for 547 yards and 4 touchdowns on 77 carries. And in January, the second-best prep player in the country announced he would be attending Pitt.
“I love Pitt,” LeSean said. “The biggest thing I love is the coaching staff. They are so supportive and patient. I love the staff here and fell in love with the place.”
Through five games it has been an inconsistent season for McCoy and the Panthers, who won their first two games, but lost their next three by an average of 18 points, largely because they feature one of the nation?s least productive offenses.
But Navy coach Paul Johnson is still concerned how his defense will stop the Panthers, who are bigger, stronger and faster than his undersized Midshipmen.
“They are real dangerous,” Johnson said. “They are explosive. They have some good skill on offense It will be a challenge for us.”
