Pitt's McCoy Leaves for NFL After 2 Seasons

McCoy changed his mind following a 3-0 bowl game loss to Oregon State on Dec. 31, apparently after talking to former Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals, among others. Fitzgerald, a former Heisman Trophy runner-up, also left Pitt after two seasons.

Pitt's staff believes McCoy began leaning toward leaving when he got away from his teammates and coaches and returned to his home in Harrisburg, Pa. The team's poor performance — the lowest-scoring bowl in 50 years — apparently did not influence his decision. He ran for 85 yards in the loss.

"I think during the past two weeks he finally had an opportunity to reflect on his opportunities," Wannstedt said. "I know firsthand how enticing the NFL can be for young men, both financially and from the standpoint of realizing a lifelong dream of playing pro football."

McCoy joins a growing list of prominent running backs who will leave school early that includes Chris "Beanie" Wells of Ohio State, Donald Brown of Connecticut, P.J. Hill of Wisconsin, Shonn Greene of Iowa and Knowshon Moreno of Georgia.

McCoy is eligible for the draft because has been out of high school for three years. He played the 2006 season at a prep school after seriously injuring his right ankle during his senior season at Bishop McDevitt High School in 2005.

The major injury — a bone broke through the skin of McCoy's leg while he was on the field — required extensive rehabilitation and apparently helped sway McCoy's decision. After he was hurt, a number of major colleges backed off recruiting him.

"As a result of a season-ending injury my senior year, I learned a humbling lesson," McCoy said. "Nothing is promised to us and it can all be taken away in a moment."

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