Lions Sign Former Aloha Bowl MVP

[UnoBomber]

(COLUMBUS, GA)- The Columbus Lions are proud to announce the signing of former Navy quarterback Chris McCoy. The 5-10, 195 pound Morris, GA native won the starting quarterback job as a sophomore under first year head coach Charlie Weatherbie. In his first game against the heavily favored SMU Mustangs he rushed for a school record 273 yards and one touchdown as Navy destroyed SMU 33-2. His 273 yards is still an NCAA record for rushing yards by a player playing in his first collegiate game.
Following his sophomore year and a 5-6 record as a starter, McCoy burst into the national spotlight by leading the Midshipmen to a 9-3 record and a victory over California in the Aloha Bowl. In that game McCoy completed 9 out of 13 passes for 277 yards and rushed for 61 yards and two touchdowns earning him the games "Most Valuable Player" honors.

McCoy closed out his collegiate career as the second leading rusher in NCAA history as a quarterback (currently 7th). McCoy amassed 3,401 yards on 682 rushing attempts (a 5.0 average). He rewrote the Navy record books with 5,887 yards of total offense, which included 2,486 yards through the air. Amongst several others, Chris' 43 rushing touchdowns and 64 total touchdowns continue to stand as a Navy records.

The 1997 preseason Heisman Trophy candidate earned "Most Valuable Player" honors in the 1998 Blue-Grey Game where he rushed 6 times for 75 yards and caught 3 passes for 18 yards lined up as a RB and WR.

Following his Navy career, McCoy signed a free agent contract with the Green Bay Packers as a running back. He spent three training camps with the storied organization while fulfilling his 5-year Naval obligation.

McCoy was invited to attend the Lions tryout this past Sunday after meeting Lions Head Coach Jason Gibson at the Kissin' 4 Kids Radio-a-thon. "When I met him, I knew exactly who he was. Being from Maryland, I have kept a close eye on his Navy career," stated Gibson. "Chris has that it factor that you look for in a player. He is a proven winner, a leader, and that's what I look for in a quarterback."

[lionsroar]

As a quarterback? The guy was in an option offense and he's 5-10!!! Good grief. I could see him being a nice addition to the wr core or even as a returner but i don't see him flourishing as a passer for indoor football all the sudden. Nice numbers though, If this was a running league i could see him being more of an impact player.

[gonzo13]

Nov 14, 2008 16:07:50 GMT -5 lionsroar said:

As a quarterback? The guy was in an option offense and he's 5-10!!! Good grief. I could see him being a nice addition to the wr core or even as a returner but i don't see him flourishing as a passer for indoor football all the sudden. Nice numbers though, If this was a running league i could see him being more of an impact player.

Don't overlook a 5'10" quarterback. Bo Bartik played qb at that height, and as I recall, he did fairly well. :smileylions:

[lionsroar]

yeah but did he play that sort of offense in college because there is nothing there telling me that he has the arm to cut it. one game don't count. Ryan Leaf Had one game.

and yeah Bartik was freaking amazing!

[gonzo13]

No, Bartik didn't play in an option style offense in college, but Maurice Mullins did at Jacksonville State. And remember, on the small field a qb doesn't need the longest arm to make a living. He just had to be able to step up in the pocket and make some good throws.

I'd be more worried about him having not played ball in a few years while fulfilling his requirements with the Navy.

Now at the end of the day, this guy may suck, but give him a shot before counting him out.

[seb1117]

Coach Gibson did see him throw at the tryout and I doubt he would bring Mccoy in if he couldn't throw. By the way Mccoy did throw for over 270 yds against Cal in the aloha bowl!

[Standard Deviation]

I got 2 words, Doug Flutie..... Dont underestimate the power of the dwarf.

[lionsroar]

Ok! Like I said one game don't make a QB and as long as he can figure out the timing of the game he'll be ok with the receiving core thats in town. I still wouldn't be comfortable with Mullins full time and apparently coach Gibson feels the same way with the most recent signings. I would like to see him get a shot at another position like Wr! Great numbers and could be a great game breaker possibly but I personally don't see it in throwing.

......keep in mind i'm most likely wrong but just expressing my true feelings at this time. I'll clean the egg off my face later!!!!!

[gonzo13]

Brent, you're the best darn fan in the AIFA, I don't care what anybody says!

[lionsroar]

yeah i guess I'll start whipping that egg off my face come March.

........Mccoy show us what you can do and the fans in Columbus will embrace you! With the receiving core that is on the roster going into '09 season I could see any QB with good decision making having a successful season. We'll see