Eligibility questions keep McCoy, two others off gridiron

By Marty Mishow ~ Southeast Missourian

Southeast Missouri State University football coach Tim Billings calls Charles McCoy the most highly recruited player in the program's history.

But because of a problem getting McCoy's transcripts sent from Santa Monica (Calif.) Community College, the cornerback who was also recruited by USC and Nebraska has been held out of recent Southeast practices as his eligibility remains in question.

While Billings said he doesn't anticipate any problems, "until you get all the paperwork in, you never know."

Two other Southeast transfers from California junior colleges -- running backs Lawrence Letuli and John Radney -- are also currently being held out of practice because of the same problem plaguing McCoy.

"This happens a lot with junior college kids, especially when you've taken some classes at different schools," Billings said. "California jucos are the worst about getting the transcripts to you. They just take their time with everything."

Billings said the trio's availability for Thursday's season opener at Southern Illinois is in serious question. He just hopes that the problem doesn't run much deeper than that.

"They might not play the first game, but hopefully we'll eventually have them," Billings said.