Loading ...One Colt Leaving the Stable
Last night’s swan song for Colt McCoy was not a very happy tune. The senior QB for the Longhorns saw his college career end when he injured his right shoulder on a run on the 5th play of the game. One could argue that the injury cost Texas a shot in the National Championship Game, but regardless this was a rude end to a great collegiate career for the 5th year Senior from Dobbs, New Mexico. Despite all the frustration and sadness from last night’s game, McCoy was able to compose himself and talk about how it was not his day and how he’d accept whatever God has in store for him.
After the 2005 season, Colt McCoy was thrown right into the fire by Texas coach Mack Brown to try to follow a legendary QB in Vince Young. However, he did not disappoint his fans in his freshman season. He was second all time in most touchdowns by a freshman in a single season with 29 passing touchdowns despite a year filled with injuries including suffering a pinch nerve in a home loss to rival Texas A&M.
After a 2007 season filled with disappointment and being called out by his predecessor Vince Young for his poor leadership , he had a 2008 season that put him on the national stage. He led the Longhorns to three wins over top 15 teams including the controversial 45-35 win in the Red River Shootout over McCoy’s friend, QB Sam Bradford. Also, during that season, he had one of the most accurate games I have seen from a college quarterback. He completed 29/32 passes for 331 yards and 3 TD’s in a 56-31 blowout of the Missouri Tigers. Although his team was one win away from an undefeated season, he finished 2nd in the Heisman to the QB who made the title game out of the Big 12, Sam Bradford. Don’t forget, he led his team down the field to a big win in the 2009 Fiesta Bowl over Ohio State that defined his characteristics as a leader.
Just like his friends Bradford and Florida QB Tim Tebow, McCoy chose to stay in school for his senior year because he wanted to stay loyal to his school and help the Longhorns win a national championship. He came close to accomplishing a goal, and he had a successful regular season in the process. He had another top 5 Heisman finish and won another Big 12 Championship Game, but the game that defined him as a passer and runner was on Thanksgiving night in College Station versus Texas A&M. The QB who holds 10 Texas records at the position threw for 304 yards and 4 touchdowns and ran for 175 yards and a TD in a 49-39 win that kept Texas’ national title hopes alive.. Did McCoy make a mistake in not going to the NFL? That is up to you, but regardless of how he ends up in the next level, McCoy should be remembered not only for his accuracy and numbers, but for his leadership, heart, and loyalty to his program. Last night proved that because despite his injury, he was still on the sideline in his shoulder pads giving any support he possibly can to the school he will always be loyal to win or lose.
