| Lions Sign Former Aloha Bowl MVP |
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 November 11, 2008 (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.”
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