Well, it’s official.
“When I signed with Pitt out of prep school, I didn’t know what to expect. I just knew in my heart that God had given me a second chance. As a result of a season-ending injury my senior year, I learned a humbling lesson. Nothing is promised to us and it can all be taken away in a moment.
“During my two years at Pitt, I have received an overwhelming amount of love and acceptance, starting from my first visit to the university all the way through the end of this season. I have been treated with respect, class and consideration. For that I am incredibly grateful.
“Recently there has been a lot of speculation regarding my decision to either stay in school or enter the NFL Draft. I have frequently played both choices in my mind. I have considered my alternatives — and I have prayed. I have made my final decision and will forego my junior season at the University of Pittsburgh to enter the NFL Draft.
“I will always cherish the opportunity Pitt has given me. I wore number 25 with pride and tried to represent my coaches, teammates, staff and Panther fans with class. I would like to thank everyone involved with the Pitt football program for a wonderful two years in Pittsburgh.
“On a personal note to Coach Wannstedt: Thank you for your support, guidance and counsel. I take a part of you with me. Although I will be wearing a new jersey next season, I will forever be a Pitt Panther.
“One of my goals in coming here was to help my teammates and coaches bring Pitt back to its rightful place among the prominent teams in college football. We made big strides in that journey, and I believe Coach Wannstedt, the coaching staff and my teammates will continue that upward climb next season and into the future.
“Hail to Pitt!â€
Good luck to LeSean McCoy. Please don’t get drafted by the Patriots.
It’s worth noting that over the two years at Pitt, he carried the ball 584 times. No other back in the country carried the ball more over those two years. I hope he is at peace with the decision.
I also hope he eventually takes advantage of the chance to finish his education. Pitt does allow its former players who leave for professional sports the opportunity to come back and finish their undergraduate education at no cost.
If the Steelers hadn’t wasted their first pick on Mendenhall last year, they very likely would have looked at McCoy this year. Instead, the Steelers’ draft class was a complete bust (only Sweed and Mendenhall played…neither made significant contributions) and they need to work on the o-line.
This sucks, but good luck Shady.
Back to Shady … I’m sure we will see a few negative posts on this site due to his decision to turn pro, but please consider …
1) even if he enjoyed college, it still was the wise decision to turn pro if he gets drafted in the 1sr round
2) if Pitt has any talent next year at RB, and aparently the do, they still will be very good and will be one of the favorites to win the BE.
3) I also believe that there were a few times that Pitt depended a little too much on McCoy. For example, talented TEs Dickerson and Byham were underutilized, the only play they ran from the Wildcat all year was Shady picking his hole (except for the 2 times Cross was in), and LaRod’s straight ahead style was at times more effective than Shady’s Barry Sanders impression … remember Pitt’s best offensive play BY FAR at the Sun Bowl was Howlings-Stevens 29 yard run right up the gut. Shady wa s great, but I believe we will be pleasantly surprised next year.
I can’t stand the amount of money that Pitt charges and the gigantic waste at the university but I have no problem with a policy that lets players who brought in a lot of money for the school get a degree free of charge.
if he is back, is he a possibility at RB?
Think you’re confused…maybe thinking of Conredge Collins??? Although he was a pretty darn good fullback..
I never met any members of Shady’s family.
over two weeks ago, i said that i had info from a very reliable source that shady was leaving only to have jimbo covert above make me look like a fool, making fun, i didn’t know what i was talking about……
so jimbo, where is shady playing next year???
i got some more good insider stuff for ya, but apparently you can’t handle hearing the truth on this site……
2) Kevin Collier – JR (in 09) very productive high school career in NY state
3) Shariff Harris — soph (09) runs with power and will probably also be back-up fb — looked very good in spring game
fullback is Henry Hynoski – 240lb soh bruiser who played a lot inshort yardage this year – very good blocker
i hate to do the i told you so but i will anyhow…..
over two weeks ago, i said that i had info from a very reliable source that shady was leaving only to have jimbo covert above make me look like a fool, making fun, i didn’t know what i was talking about……
so jimbo, where is shady playing next year???
i got some more good insider stuff for ya, but apparently you can’t handle hearing the truth on this site……
Comment by shady 01.14.09 @ 7:27 pm
Hey, congratulations to you
Ridiculous comment — embarrassing; not one (1) comment (preceding or following) attempts more than “good luck, McCoy.â€
Shall we gather you a prize or something? Let me know, shady 01.14.09 @ 7:27 pm
I didn’t think he should leave TILL I watched the Bowl game…if I were him I would be running out of town! The play calling is TERRIBLE and the QB couldn’t start at IUP!
Thanks for 2 great years. It was a lot of fun watching you. Thanks for beinf a first-class guy and helping us take some big steps in our quest to turn this program around. Good luck in the NFL – I’ll be rooting for you on draft day!
Now if we could somehow get him in a Steeler’s uniform (not gonna happen, I know).