Chris McCoy Interview

Defensive End – Middle Tennessee State

By: Alex Khvatov

1/13/10

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Chris McCoy:  I am 6’4”, 250, and I ran a 4.61 forty in pre-training. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Did you play any other sports besides football in high school?

Chris McCoy:  I played basketball and I ran track.    

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you besides Middle Tennessee State?

Chris McCoy:  Georgia, Wisconsin, Alabama, Purdue and UAB gave me looks.  Middle Tennessee State had some serious interest. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose the Blue Raiders?

Chris McCoy:  It was the best place for me.  There were great people here when I came for a visit.  I knew right away that this is the place where I wanted to be. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  Do you feel that your best football is still ahead of you since you only started playing this game during your junior year of high school?

Chris McCoy:  No doubt about it.  I am learning the game every day.  I am becoming a better player.  The sky is the limit.

Alex Khvatov:  What were your personal and team goals heading into your senior season?

Chris McCoy:  The team goal was to go undefeated.  A personal goal was to be one of the best DE/OLB in the nation.  We didn’t go 13-0, but we won 10 games this season.  Everything was accomplished as far as I am concerned.

Alex Khvatov:  How thrilled were you to be a part of a team that won 10 games this season including a victory against Southern Miss in a New Orleans Bowl?

Chris McCoy:  It was a great ride.  My teammates were great.  We jelled together.  We had each other’s back.  Our defense led the nation in tackles for a loss.  We had a great offense too which was led by QB Dwight Dasher.  The guys were great.  They will continue to get better every day.   

Alex Khvatov:  How gratifying was it for you to be named Sun Belt Conference’s co-defensive player of the year? 

Chris McCoy:  It was a great accomplishment.  I wouldn’t have done that without my teammates.  They were responsible for it.  I thank them for it.

Chris McCoy:  There is one play in particular that stands out.  It was a fumble recovery against Clemson.  I scored a touchdown on it.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the football field?

Chris McCoy:  I am a good pass rusher.  I defend well against the run.  I play all over the field.  I can play in space and drop back into coverage. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game do you still need to improve upon?

Chris McCoy:  I am working on using my hands more.  I need to stay low more.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Chris McCoy:  Peyton Manning.  He is just so consistent with it. 

Alex Khvatov:  Which underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye on in the future?

Chris McCoy:  QB Dwight Dasher, safety Kevin Brown, DE Jamari Lattimore and DE Emmanuel Perez.    

Chris McCoy:  I can cover the whole field quickly.  I can cover the field in a blink of an eye.  My speed is my best attribute. 

Alex Khvatov:  Do you feel that you are best suited to play a more traditional DE position in a 4-3 scheme or can you play a hybrid role in a 3-4 as well? 

Chris McCoy:  I can play either one.  I will play any position that they would want me to play.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Chris McCoy:  I play Xbox.  I like to play NCAA 2010 and NBA 2K.  I like chilling with my friends and going to the mall.  I go to church.

Alex Khvatov:  Chris, what makes you unique?

Chris McCoy:  I always keep a smile on my face.  Nothing can get me down.  I am fun to be around. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you plan to do with your life after your football career is over?

Chris McCoy:  I want to be a coach.  A college coach.

Alex Khvatov:  Is the NFL a dream or a reality at this point? 

Chris McCoy:  It is sort of both.  It is still a dream.  But it is also a reality because it is close.      

Alex Khvatov:  How are you preparing for the NFL Draft?

Chris McCoy:  I am training in Georgia with Chuck Wiley.  I am training with people that know a lot about the game.     

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Chris McCoy is....

Chris McCoy:  A great person.