McCoy backs up his commitment

Junior college All-American cornerback Charles McCoy, who was recruited by Nebraska and also drew interest from co-national champion USC, stayed true to his word.

The result is arguably the biggest signing in Southeast Missouri State University football history, as McCoy on Thursday faxed his national letter of intent to the Indians' coaching staff.

"We're very excited," Southeast coach Tim Billings said. "On paper, he's probably the biggest recruit ever at Southeast."

McCoy had given Southeast's coaches a verbal commitment but told the Southeast Missourian Wednesday -- the first day of the signing period -- that he would probably wait a few more days to make sure of his decision.

Instead, McCoy quickly decided that Southeast was the right place for him and his wife.

"I'm not really looking for the glory," McCoy said. "We want a stable place, and some place I can play right away. We felt really comfortable with the people and the coaches there."

McCoy played the last two seasons at Santa Monica (Calif.) College and he will have two years of eligibility at Southeast. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder has been timed at 4.4 seconds over 40 yards.

McCoy said one of the reasons he stayed with the Indians despite late pushes from Nebraska and USC is that Southeast coaches began recruiting him from the start of the 2003 season, while the Cornhuskers and Trojans came into the picture relatively late in the campaign.

He said the fact he is an older student and is married -- the 24-year-old McCoy originally signed with Tulane out of high school but failed to qualify academically and did not attend college for three years before winding up at Santa Monica -- also played a role in his decision.

"I'm a little older, more mature, and it's not just myself I have to worry about," he said. "I thought Southeast was the best place for us."

Billings credited defensive backs coach Cody Vardeman for being largely responsible in landing McCoy.

"He loved Coach Vardeman,who recruited him and did a great job," Billings said. "We've been talking to him for a long time. When he and his wife came for a visit, he loved the atmosphere. He's not hung up with the big things.

"We're excited because not only is he a really good football player, he's a great kid."

Billings said Southeast, which announced 10 signings on Wednesday, might land a few more players over the next several weeks. Still expected to sign is Central High School senior Mitch Craft, one of the state's top quarterbacks.