Interview with Topeka Kansas Class of 2016 RB Mike McCoy

Written by Charlie Beuttel

Topeka High School in Topeka, Kansas finished 2014 with a 7-3 record behind a high-powered offense that averaged 52.4 points a game. The Trojans’ offense manufactured several blowouts marching to the Kansas High School Playoffs. A promising season ended in the first round of the Kansas 6A playoffs losing 64-46 to Hutchison.

One key weapon in Topeka’s arsenal is running back Mike McCoy. The 6’2″, 215 pound, workhorse had an incredible junior year where he ran for 1,150 yards and 23 touchdowns. The explosive running back has compared himself to former Wisconsin and current San Diego Chargers Melvin Gordon. McCoy is the kind of running back that has both speed and power all rolled into one.

The Class of 2016 recruit has seven Division-I offers at this time including Kansas and Kansas State. McCoy also has interest from several big time schools including Nebraska and Arkansas.

McCoy has set personal goals of 2,000 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns for his senior season and has his eyes set on a state championship.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Mike to talk about his junior year, his recruiting process, and his preparation for his senior season.

Interview
Mike, first, congratulations on a great 2014 season. What are your thoughts on last year’s season?

“I was really happy. First time I had played running back since ninth grade. I like it. We should do a lot better this year. We are still working hard to improve.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?

“I did pretty well. I wasn’t the main star player but I did pretty well. Next year I will be better.”

What is your most memorable moment from last year?

“Beating Manhattan (52-41) and scoring four touchdowns and having 200 yards.”

Did you receive any individual honors in 2014?

“All-State honorable mention and All-League.”

What is one thing you can take away from last year that can motivate you going into 2014?

“Knowing how hard we have to work to get where we want to be. We didn’t like losing in the first round of playoffs.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I’m bigger and faster. People don’t expect me to be this fast. I have strength and speed all in one.”

Did you attended any camps this summer?

“Oklahoma State, a Kansas State 7-on-7 camp, and a Kansas team camp.”

Have you had any interest from any schools?

“Yes, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Arkansas, Kansas and Kansas State.”

Do you have any offers?

“I have seven Division-I offers but the two main ones are Kansas and Kansas State.”

Have you made any unofficial college visits?

“Oklahoma State, Kansas State and Kansas.”

What did you like about each visit?

“At Kansas, all the people were nice. You feel like you’re at home. The coaches are cool and everyone is nice. At Kansas State, pretty much the same as Kansas. The people make you happy and the facilities are nice. My talk with Coach Snyder went good and he ended up offering me. At Oklahoma State, their facilities are the best I’ve seen. I really liked it.”

What are you working on the most this offseason?

“My speed and agility.”

Looking ahead to the 2015 season, what game are you most looking forward to on your team’s schedule?

“Lawrence Free State cause last year they beat us (53-37) and they were the best team we faced. I played with pneumonia in last year’s game and scored twice.”

How does Topeka High look going into the 2015 season?

“We look really good. We are a lot better then last year. Everyone was mostly juniors last year and everyone is now more mature. We saw a lot of competition this summer. Our offseason went great.”

What are your goals for the 2015 season?

“Winning a state championship and personally reaching 30 touchdowns and 2,000 yards.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

“My parents, Shante and Michael, they have supported me and they push me to be better and do what is right.”

What is your favorite thing about playing football?

“I couldn’t play basketball because I was too physical. I can be physical in football and I like to score touchdowns. I also like to get away from defenders. I feel like every time I get the ball I want to score.”

Photo credit: cjonline.com; No. 5 Mike McCoy.