Rising star watch: Ricky McCoy

Photo by Lorenzo J. Reyna/The Reedley Exponent

The "Predator" is on the loose and could become the Central Section's most sought-after tight end.

Ricky McCoy of Roosevelt-Fresno has become an intriguing prospect for colleges. Nicknamed "Predator" because of his near resemblance to the popular science fiction character, he's received interest from Oregon, Arizona State and Arizona.

He also didn't play an entire season due to the CIF transfer rules this past year (had to sit out 30 days after transferring from Bullard High). Yet, the 6-foot-4, 245 pound McCoy did enough to land All-North Yosemite League honors for Roosevelt.

For non-science fiction fans, you might like what "Predator" offers on the football field.

WHAT TO LIKE: Got to start with size. McCoy already looks like a college football tight end. He's got soft hands and can catch the ball in traffic. Breaks tackles like a bruising fullback. Tough to bring down and it sometimes takes the second or third defender to stop him. He won't go down on first contact. Shows tremendous body control with making his catches. A red zone threat who can win the jump ball battle. Has quick hands and can fight off jams right away. He's a former offensive tackle and has a nastiness to his blocking. Had 23 pancake blocks for Roosevelt. Dominates defenders and drives them back either to the sideline or 10-15 yards. 

WHAT TO BUILD ON: Improving his overall speed is a must this offseason. McCoy doesn't have the speed right now desired by most schools. Still considered a raw prospect because he's transitioning from offensive tackle to tight end. Tends to stop his feet when going out for a pass. Also still learning his routes.

OVERALL: McCoy not only could be the most highly recruited tight end in the Central Section, but he has the potential to be the most sought-after high school football prospect Roosevelt has ever seen. RHS hasn't always been considered a college football factory, especially in the shadow of Edison, Central and Bullard in the Fresno area, but McCoy could be the guy that gets colleges coming over to Roosevelt. He's beginning to remind me of former Fresno State tight end Marcel Jensen - who was another former offensive lineman that became a valuable security blanket at tight end for the Bulldogs.

More on McCoy: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/750653/highlights/87254387