Tyriq McCord [6’ 3” 222 lbs | 2012 DE]
40 yd dash: 4.76
Shuttle: 4.66
Vertical: 32 inches
Top Five Remaining Schools (no particular order): University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of South Carolina, University of Miami, University of Southern California
Upcoming Visits: University of Georgia (12/16/11), University of Southern California (1/13/11), Texas Christian University (1/20/11)
Past Visits (In Top 5): University of Miami (12/02/11), University of South Carolina (11/11/11), University of Florida (unofficial)
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Tyriq McCord is No. 3 on our Big County Preps’ top 49 players in the Bay Area. He is a finalist to be named Big County Preps’ Player of the Year. He has done it all and his offers show what colleges around the country think of his production.
“It’s a blessing,” McCord said of his popularity around the country. “God gave me this gift; I gotta go out there and perform with it because I can be an example on and off the field.
“I’m getting all this attention from colleges; I never would have thought this would happen in a million years.”
McCord had troubles when he first enrolled at Jefferson High School. His grades slipped and he was forced to sit on the sideline his freshman year – something that he feels made him stronger.
“I was more hungry to do things,” he explained. “I was always hungry to get bigger, faster, stronger on the field, but now I’m more hungry to get bigger, faster, stronger in the classroom.”
It has also been a topic of conversation among college coaches.
“They don’t want any quitters. They want someone who is gonna work hard no matter the circumstances,” the senior explained. “That’s pretty much what I got from Florida and Miami.”
His 2011 stats show that his hard work has paid off: 14 receptions, 276 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, 59 solo tackles, 11.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 PD, 3 CF.
Of McCord’s top five schools he says that Florida and South Carolina are higher than the rest. He has always dreamed of playing in the South Eastern Conference and says he grew up a lifelong Gators’ fan. There is a third, and possibly forth factor for McCord to consider.
With Florida already having a commitment from Armwood’s Matt Jones, and in play for Berkeley Prep’s Nelson Agholor, he says that building a pipeline to Gainesville could be special. McCord was however very affirmative that, “at the end of the day I’m gonna do what’s best for myself.”
Another reason the Gamecocks, outside of being in the SEC, are high on McCord’s list is that they’ve stuck by his side since before his junior year; they were the first to offer him.
McCord took us back to when he first received the offer.
“I was at practice during the spring going from sophomore to junior year. I didn’t even know they were out there for me,” he said. “I was working hard though and had a great day at practice. Coach Mangus called me over there and told me I had a scholarship offer from SC and what not.”
The Gamecocks have been in contact with him since then.
“It surprised me. I never thought I would be recruited by those big time schools,” he said. “I honestly didn’t think I would get that kind of attention.”
During the winter break McCord will be working out with a former teammate, and current Georgia Bulldog.
“All I’m going to do is workout with Ramik Wilson preparing for the All-American Game.”
Wilson is a freshman linebacker at Georgia where McCord will visit next week.
The All-American Game will take place on Jan. 7 at 12 noon CST and will be televised on NBC.
Email: kbennett.ut@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleBennettUT