Interview: Arkansas Class of 2017 TE/DE Jonathan McCoy Displaying Next Level Potential for Camden Fairview

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The small Arkansas town of Camden has a great reputation for developing big next level talent. Despite having a population of just over 12,000, the town tucked into the southern central part of the state seemingly produces at least one top recruit every year. Last year defensive back Byron Keaton took his talents to the Arkansas Razorbacks and the most notable current prospect tearing it up at the Division-I level is Arkansas wide receiver Dominique Reed; 23 receptions, 483 yards, and six touchdowns.

The next in a long line of talent matriculating out of the area could very well be Jonathan McCoy. McCoy is a two-way standout for the Cardinals lining up at tight end and defensive end, and even sometimes in the slot.

Who could blame Fairview head coach Tyler Cox for not trying one of his budding talents at every position possible? McCoy started showing flashes of his potential pulling down nine passes for 244 yards with four touchdowns on offense and coming up with 26 tackles, 16 solo, with two tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, one pass deflection, and one blocked field goal. Even now, reading over his stat line, it does not seem accurate as he plays the game with a bigger presence.

McCoy’s abilities are not limited to his stat line, his potential is key. Right now the Class of 2017 recruit stands 6’7”, weighing just 210 pounds. After a season or two in the weight room and a little more seasoning in drills and technique, the sky is the limit for McCoy.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Jonathan after the Cardinals completed their 2015 season with a difficult first round playoff loss to Wynne to find out a little bit more about the next emerging talent out of the Camden area.

Interview

Jonathan, the Cardinals just finished a tough 6-5 season. In your opinion how did the season go overall?

“It was okay but we could have done better.”

What does the team have to work on overall in the offseason in order to make a deeper run into the Arkansas high school playoffs next year?

“We have to work on getting bigger and stronger.”

Have you started thinking about some of the things you are going to work on in the offseason for your senior season?

“Not yet. I know I’m going to work on my agility and technique.”

Do you plan on going to one-day college camps this summer?

“Yes sir but I’m not sure which ones yet.”

What are your strengths on the field as a defensive end?

“My strengths are firing off the ball and making plays when I have the chance.”

What are you better at, getting after the quarterback or stopping the run?

“Right now, getting after quarterback.”

What are your strengths as a tight end?

“My strengths are blocking, running routes, and catching the ball.”

What are you going to work on in the offseason from the tight end position?

“I’m going to work on my pad level and becoming a better blocker.”

Which position do you enjoy playing more, defensive end or tight end?

“Tight end.”

You like scoring all the touchdowns?

(Laughs) “Yes sir.”

You are just starting to gain some recognition for your play on the field, which schools are recruiting you right now?

“Arkansas in football and Harding in basketball.”

Have you gone on any unofficial visits this fall?

“Going to Arkansas this weekend (Mississippi State game).”

What are you looking forward to the most from your visit?

“Meeting all the coaches and talking to them.”

What is your early impression of the Arkansas program?

“I like the coaches and the team, they’re good. I’d like to play there.”

What type of feedback have you received from the Arkansas coaching staff about your abilities?

“They have told me I remind them of Jeremy Sprinkle at tight end.”

Do you have an offseason weight gain goal?

“I want to get up to 225 or 230.”

Again, very early, but all things being equal, what is your time frame on making a decision on where you want to play your college ball?

“I want to do it sometime during my senior year but we’ll see how everything goes.”

What are the main factors you will consider in choosing a college?

“The school atmosphere, the campus, where the campus is located, the coaches, and the school spirit.”

Did you attend any college football camps last summer?

“No sir, none last summer.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“Winning and scoring touchdowns for my team.”

You’re a good basketball player as well, what do you like most about playing basketball?

“Blocking shots and dunking on people.”

Will the Cardinals have a good basketball team this season?

“Yes sir.”

Jonathan, good luck with your basketball season and good luck with the offseason college camps as well.

“Thank you sir.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 33 Jonathan McCoy

Photo credit: twitter.com; Jonathan McCoy with the ball top of the key.