Football: LB McCoy is grateful for the opportunity to play

Joshua Parrott • jparrott@theadvertiser.com • October 24, 2008

UL linebacker Daylon McCoy was grateful for his opportunity to start in last week’s 28-23 win over Arkansas State at Cajun Field.

The sophomore, a converted safety, started his second game this season and first since the season opener at Southern Miss. The Cajuns had already lost three starting linebackers this season, including Grant Fleming and Richard Brooks to season-ending knee injuries.

"I’m just glad I got a chance to do that," McCoy said. "I hate that we lost those three linebackers, but (linebackers) coach (Tim) Rebowe tells us every day that somebody has to step up."

McCoy certainly did. The Texas native finished with seven tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery and was named the Sun Belt’s co-defensive player of the week.

His success at linebacker should come as no surprise. McCoy was named the Class 3A defensive player of the year at Tatum High in Texas after logging 150 tackles and returning two interceptions for touchdowns as a senior at that position.

Odds and Ends

UL’s Jason Chery, a senior wide receiver, talked with Green Bay Packers regional scout Alonzo Highsmith after Thursday’s practice. Chery said he is on the watch list for the East-West Shrine Game, which is Jan. 17 in Houston. The game will air on ESPN2 … Quarterback Brad McGuire, who led the Cajuns to last week’s comeback win over Arkansas State, said he might be going home this weekend to Gulf Breeze, Fla. The redshirt freshman played his prep ball at Gulf Breeze High. His parents moved to Baton Rouge after he enrolled at UL to be closer to their youngest child.