In something of a minor surprise in media watching, LeSean McCoy has not gotten a lot of puff pieces yet.

There’s the one today that is about his close relationship with fellow RB LaRod Stephens-Howling, and plans to pair the two out there at the same time.

“The reality is we have two starting tailbacks,” Pitt running backs coach David Walker said. “They are both going to play a lot and they are both going to play together at times because when we put them out there together it opens up a whole new challenge for defenses trying to stop us.”

McCoy added, “With both of us out there, you have no idea who is getting the ball and that makes us both more dangerous. That is what made West Virginia so good, they had Pat White, Steve Slaton and Noel Devine back there, that’s a lot to deal with. Hopefully people will say the same thing about us.”

Stephens-Howling and McCoy are not just backfield partners, they have become best friends. They refer to themselves as Mario and Luigi in reference to Nintendo’s Mario Brothers and have used that friendship to push each other.

So, duality is key this season for the offense. Two tailback sets. The hope to see two tight end formations. Using Greg Cross for Bill Stull for two QBs getting action. I’m sure there is a great and deep meaning for the number 2 in the Pitt offense.

The rest of the article is a nice enough piece as each flatters the other.

The facet of their relationship was also featured on another piece on Stephens-Howling from his hometown paper last week.

But rather than sulk about the loss of playing time, Stephens-Howling has embraced his role.

“I feel like I’m here for whatever they need me for,” he said. “I’m not going to whine about not getting enough playing time or anything like that.”

McCoy said the player he calls “Hot Rod” has been instrumental in his development as a running back.

“He’s done so much for me, helping me out with formations,” McCoy said. “He’s like having a coach on the field. If I have any questions, I can go to him. He knows the playbook like the quarterbacks.”

McCoy and fullback Conredge Collins each got puffing Pitt press releases that are sure to make it into the info packets that broadcast crews get for Pitt games.

Sometimes they can be amusingly (or disturbingly) fawning.

One look at his well-defined, chiseled features reinforces his words that he is more than ready for his senior season.

“I’ve been working very hard on my conditioning,” he said. “I’ve heard all during my career that I’m too small, too light, to do this or that on a football field.”

As for Collins, you bet this will get picked up in the on-air stories. After all, what commentator can resist a “mother-knows-best” theme.

“I told her how I felt, told her I didn’t think this [playing fullback] was a good idea,” he said. “My mom said, ‘You stay there, and you be the best fullback coming out of your class.’ I said, ‘Okay, Mom, I’ll do what you tell me.’ She said, ‘You’ve built a bond with your team. You stay committed. You do what they ask you to do.’ I’ve been working hard ever since.”

Mothers always seem to know best – and have great foresight. Heading into his senior season, Collins is considered college football’s top fullback by several scouting services.

Both of course are all about the team, and really seem to have accepted that McCoy is the leading star among the backs. They are focused on helping the team and keeping the younger kids behind them in the depth chart.