Colt McCoy Says Injury Is Improving

NFL News - February 16th, 2010 - Written by Bryan Cross

Former Texas quarterback Colt McCoy says that the rehabilitation process of his injured throwing shoulder is "really coming along," and close to being complete. He has hopes of performing for NFL Teams at the combine later this month.

"Hopefully I'll be able to throw in the combine. That's my goal, I love to compete, I want to go out and compete with those guys, go out there and throw and be myself," McCoy said of his injury. "But obviously if the doctors don't let me, I'm not going to be able to do that."

McCoy injured his throwing shoulder early in the first quarter of the BCS National Championship game on January 7th against Alabama. He was unable to return to the game, in which Texas lost 37-21. The injury cause his arm to go numb, where he could not throw a ball due to a pinched nerve.

His rehab sessions have been conducted in California for the entire duration, though he made a trip to Texas last week to officially accept the Davey O'Brien award, given out to the top quarterback in college football. He plans to return to California to continue rehabbing in preparation for April's NFL draft.

"The injury and I think the way that my college career ended has kind of sparked a fire inside of me as far as I'm going to show that I'm going to be ready to go. I'm going to show them that I'm the best, I'm going to show that I'm confident," McCoy remarked. "I can't wait to step out on the field again, forget the taste that's in my mouth for the last time I played a game. That's what's driving me every day."

McCoy has consulted renowned sports injury doctor James Andrews, who has been with the quarterback every step of his rehab. If McCoy is unable to throw at the combine on the basis of his doctor's advice, Texas has a scheduled pro day on March 31st. McCoy would be able to throw for NFL scouts at the pro day.

According to his doctors, the injury to his arm is not the primary concern anymore, the focus has shifted to the conditioning and strengthening of his arm.

"My arm feels really good. I'm able to do everything they ask me to do," McCoy said. "It's really healing quickly."

The former Longhorn quarterback set the NCAA career wins mark with 45 throughout his career at Texas. The only achievement that eluded him during his tenure was a national championship.

"It's one of those things that you'll think about forever. Disappointing is probably the real word," McCoy remarked. "But at the same time, I've been raised the right way and you've got to find a positive in every situation. I think about that and I think about how I still have a lot of football left to play. I'm confident that my best football is ahead of me and that's what keeps me going."

The Longhorns move forward with a new quarterback for the first time in four years. A starter has yet to be named. They signed Case McCoy several weeks ago, Colt McCoy's younger brother. He is also a quarterback.

Texas has been established with odds at 30/1 to claim next year's BCS National Championship according to the NCAA Football Lines at Bodog Sportsbook.