McCoy has a clear leader

ORLANDO, Fla. - A year later, Seffner (Fla.) Armwood offensive tackle Kevin McCoy found himself in the exact same place and scenario - the Citrus Bowl playing for a state championship. Unlike a year ago, he is leaving with a championship trophy after Armwood defeated Miami (Fla.) Central 40-31.

"It feels amazing," McCoy said. "Last year we didn't get it, so it just felt necessary that we had to get this one. It is well deserved because we really worked our butts off this year. I am really proud of this team. I am proud of myself for how much I improved. It is a great feeling to be the champions."

The 6-foot-5, 275-pound lineman says that he and his teammates were motivated by that empty feeling they had a year ago leaving the stadium.

"The motive to win was so heavy," McCoy said. "We had to prove ourselves. Last year we were really good and we let ourselves down. Armwood isn't known for that. So we had to get our position back and do it for ourselves and those seniors last year who didn't have a chance to do it again."

With his season now concluded, McCoy intends to turn his focus towards his recruitment.

"I want to visit Vanderbilt again, UCF definitely, and Auburn," McCoy said. "I think I am going to end up scheduling the Vanderbilt visit on January 20th."

Out of the three options he mentioned, McCoy says one is a clear leader.

"Vanderbilt is standing out," McCoy said. "I just feel comfortable there with the coaches and the players. (Former Armwood quarterback) Joshua Grady went there. The academics are great. It is a great academic school. So just all-around it is a great place for me."

Grady, his former teammate, is constantly in his ear about the Commodores.

"He tells me about them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week," McCoy said. "He is always saying it is the perfect place for me and that Nashville is waiting for me. It is the truth. I feel I would fit really well there."

When asked if he expected to return from Nashville a pledge to the SEC school, McCoy admitted that it is extremely likely.

"Probably," McCoy said.