“I’d like to prove that I’m effective both as a defensive end and a defensive tackle…” Bloomingdale Bulls’ defensive lineman, Quinton McCoy.
Valrico, December 18, 2018- Bloomingdale football has amassed a notable amount of success on the defensive side this 2018 season, as only seven teams (out of 87) in Class 7A have allowed less than 147 points. The Bulls closed out this year at 11-2 and 5-1 in district nine, supporting their state rank of 28 and deep playoff run. Let’s dive into a key contributor on the defensive side that’s boosting the red and black’s 7A reputation and taking the program to the next stage.
“I’ve already begun working on my offseason goals. Increasing my strength size, and speed are most important. I’d like to prove that I’m effective both as a defensive end and a defensive tackle and that my size doesn’t hinder my speed.” States Quinton emphatically.
Dissecting from the film available, it’s pretty apparent this sought-after, upcoming senior prospect possesses all the main traits and qualities coaches wish for on a defensive front. Until the whistles blow, Quinton’s tunnel vision consists of: if and when he sheds through the offensive wall and burying the ball carrier- think twice before bringing the rock in his direction or you might need some extra time to recover your thoughts.
“Some of the schools I’ve connected with are Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, USF, University of Kentucky, NC State and Syracuse. I visited the campuses of Georgia Southern, Georgia Tech, NC State and University of Kentucky. My visit to the University of Kentucky was one of my standouts. Their facilities were impressive and the coaches really made me feel welcomed.”
Impeccable bend, balance, and anticipation along with his disruptive 6’3” 265-pound frame, (ouch) aided him in receiving the 2018 1st team All-Conference award. He has the opportunity to stay a Bull as well, catching the attention of local, collegiate program USF, who has already put their offer on the table. Georgia Southern has also put their offer in the midst of McCoy’s recruiting process.
“My best high school memory was when [head] coach warner was hyping the crowd up at the Tampa Bay Tech game and we got the big stop we needed.”“Something people might find surprising about me is that like to sing. I was in chorus in middle school, mostly just to get my elective credit, but I actually enjoyed it. Singing makes people smile and puts everyone in a good mood,” explains McCoy wholeheartedly.Looking back: Throughout McCoy’s accomplished, three-year High School football career, he’s collected quite the stat line; still with his final and most momentous senior season yet to be completed. According to MaxPreps, overall in 32 games, he’s accumulated 32 solo and 80 total tackles, 7 sacks with 17.5 TFL’s, a couple fumble recoveries, responsible for 3 scoreboard points (a safety and conversion) and numerous QB hurries (nightmares) as an interior defender!
Quinton finishes, “This year’s brotherhood was unlike no other season. It’s hard to explain a feeling like that and how it all came together. We supported each other 100% and stepped up when someone went down with an injury or a hard time. We had a few team bonding days on the lake, being dawgs off the field.”
“Our defense was relentless and it all started with our new defensive coordinator Jake Coulson. He came in and changed it up. Some of us, me included, we’ve shifted and had to learn a whole new scheme. I’d started at defensive end two years prior and this year I was shifted to nose tackle. It was definitely an adjustment, but everyone took their spot and owned their job. That shut out run we started the season off with kept us hungry and with everyone doing their job, it just worked.”
This junior season, Quinton did the most damage, adding 14 solo and 34 total tackles with 2.8 per game, racked up 2.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, the scoring conversion and 7.5 TFL’s to his rap sheet (included above). He’s a beast on the gridiron; his sheer size and patient attack along with his mature manner have recruiters gawking over his game and he’s soon to be THE senior impactor in Bloomingdales’ flourishing defensive schemes.
Vaughan Sixbury, BCP Contributor