FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Ricky McCoy is a Rough Rider through and through.
“This place means everything to me,” McCoy said.
The Roosevelt High graduate is in the midst of his first year leading his alma mater.
“There’s a new standard and new expectations and that’s what we expect every Friday night,” McCoy said.
McCoy, just 26 years old, has led the Rough Riders to a 4-1 record, their best start in six years.
“I know a lot of people doubted him because he’s young, but we got him back and everything,” Rough Riders junior defensive lineman Michael Hester said.
“I’m excited to watch him because he brings a lot of energy and passion here,” Rough Riders junior cornerback Dupree Evans said.
The hype is real, but McCoy says he’s trying to make sure rough riders don’t get ahead of themselves.
“It’s definitely my job to keep them in line and keep them on the ground,” McCoy said.
Between the lines, McCoy brings Division I experience.
“He knows a lot, he has a lot of knowledge, so I’m just going to continue to learn and hone from him,” Hester said.
As a former Washington Husky and Fresno State Bulldog defensive lineman, McCoy comes from a strong coaching pedigree.
“I played for two Hall of Fame coaches in Chris Petersen and Jeff Tedford,” McCoy said.
Together, they have more than 270 wins and 10 conference championships, including one where McCoy helped Tedford to a blue victory, and McCoy will use his experience to last a long time. Building a program.
“We have a mission statement that we shared at Washington State and at Fresno State, and that is to do things with dignity, integrity and academic excellence,” McCoy said.
McCoy knows that culture begins with the spirit.
“Whether they win or lose, they’re going to fight until the end,” McCoy said.
“I feel like we can do great things with him leading the team,” Evans said.
McCoy is trying to keep the Rough Riders afloat as playoff hopes grow.
“Keep them grounded, ground yourself, and really get this thing through,” McCoy said.
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