MCCOY AGREES TO TERMS WITH THE DETROIT LIONS

Former Ferris Offensive Lineman Joins His Favorite NFL Team

Matt McCoy (Charlotte), who concluded his four-year Ferris State football career this last fall, has signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).

McCoy was among 17 undrafted free agents to ink with the Lions Monday (April 26) following the 2004 NFL Draft. The undrafted free agents will join the team for a mini-camp this weekend, which begins this Thursday (April 28) evening. The newcomers will also participate in Organized Training Activities during the month of June. McCoy will officially sign his free agent contract this Thursday prior to the start of rookie camp.

“I'm really excited about joining Detroit," said McCoy. "I've always been a big Detroit Lions' fan growing up and it's also close to home which is certainly a plus.

"I'm going to do whatever it takes to earn a roster spot. I plan on spending a significant amount of time this summer at their (Detroit's) practice facility, learning the offense more and catching up in my strength and conditioning," added McCoy.

Besides Detroit, McCoy also drew interest from the San Diego Chargers and Jacksonville Jaguars. McCoy, who has been assigned jersey number #77, was one of four undrafted offensive linemen to agree to terms with the Lions.

An All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Second-Team pick in 2003, McCoy was honored as the recipient of the Eric Bennett Memorial Award as FSU's Most Valuable Offensive Lineman. A two-year starter at right tackle, the 6-8, 290-pound lineman started all 11 Ferris contests in the 2003 season and played a key part in the Bulldogs averaging 348.5 yards per game in total offense. The 2003 team offensive co-captain received honorable mention all-conference plaudits and GLIAC All-Academic Team laurels the previous campaign.

McCoy was the co-winner of FSU's Coaches Award in 2002 and started in nine of 10 contests during the season after being switched to tackle from tight end as a result of offensive line injuries.

An 11-game starter at tight end in 2001, McCoy caught eight passes for 110 yards (13.8 yards per reception) with two touchdowns. His season receiving yardage ranked sixth best on the squad while his reception total tied for the eighth highest output. As a redshirt freshman in 2000, he saw action in all 11 contests at defensive tackle.

McCoy joins wide receiver Clarence Coleman as former Bulldog alumni presently active in the NFL. Coleman received a free agent tryout with the Buffalo Bills in 2002 and had eight catches for 69 yards last season with the Bills in his NFL debut.

"This (McCoy's signing) is great for our program because it can help us draw a higher caliber of student-athlete knowing they possibly will have an opportunity of going to the NFL," said FSU assistant coach and offensive coordinator Matt McCarthy. "Matt has good size and moves well which attracted the NFL teams. Hopefully, Matt can fall into a spot where they (Detroit) need him provided he continues working hard and can stay healthy."

NOTE - The Detroit Lions' official website address is: www.detroitlions.com.