As a two star recruit from Lufkin High School in Lufkin Texas, Erik McCoy committed to Texas A&M over Houston and Arkansas State. McCoy was an instant starter from the day he stepped on campus. He was a team captain in 2018 where he helped pave the way for the SEC’s leader rusher in Trayveon Williams. According to the Sports Info Solutions Rookie Handbook, McCoy was only responsible for 6 blown blocks in 2018 (two pass, four rush). McCoy’s athletic composite score has him in the 62.4th percentile according to SPARQ.
Film review
Texas A&M’s offense featured a healthy mix of zone and gap run concepts in 2018. According to the Sports Info Solutions Rookie Handbook, McCoy executed zone blocks 58.9% of the time while gap runs were at 30.3%. There shouldn’t be a massive transition for McCoy into Carolina’s scheme.
On this outside zone run, McCoy moves laterally while positioning his body to create a lane. He takes a half step behind the line of scrimmage before engaging the defensive tackle with one arm.
One of McCoy’s best traits as a run blocker is how he combines blocks, but then moves effortlessly to the 2nd level to locate and drive the linebacker.
Here is another example of McCoy’s movement skills. He pulls on the left side, but then partners with the tackle to make contact with the linebacker.
McCoy has an intriguing skill set as a pass blocker. The line protection shifts to the left side to pick up the blitz. McCoy has a critical task as he’s responsible for the blitzing linebacker. He gets his hands up quickly and doesn’t get pushed back. He displays strong balance in his lower body not to get pushed back.
On this blitz, the linebacker attempts to get under McCoy, but McCoy gets lower. He profiled as an above average athlete. He displays the flexibility to get low while maintaining power to prevent any penetration.
McCoy has the talent to be isolated against defensive tackles, but anchor down and win. He gets his hands up at the snap, but then controls the defensive tackle long enough so the quarterback can scan the field and find a lane to scramble.
McCoy’s exhibits his football intelligence on stunts too. He stays alert on this stunt and he lands a solid punch.
McCoy has ideal knee bend and hand skills to fight off any movement by the defender.
While McCoy has good balance in his sets, he can be susceptible on bull rushes when he keeps his base and hands wide. He has plenty of functional strength, but he needs to improve his hand placement to avoid getting pushed back.
Fit with Carolina
Ron Rivera mentioned that the franchise is looking for a center with leadership qualities. McCoy started in all 38 games with the Aggies. He was named as a team captain as a true junior for one of the better programs in the SEC. Outside of his intangibles, McCoy has a versatile skill set as a blocker that could translate early. The Panthers should consider him as early as their second round pick. They have to replace Ryan Kalil and McCoy should be an option.