Neal Brown Forecasts a Big Year for RB Kennedy McKoy

On a day that everyone was waiting on the edge of their seat to hear who would be named West Virginia’s starting quarterback, Neal Brown dropped some serious praise for senior running back Kennedy McKoy.

“He’s gotten stronger over the last 6-7 months. He’s a guy that gets vertical really well. He’s a one-stick guy, he can get his shoulders going north and south extremely quick. He’s patient, he has very few negative runs, catches the call out of the backfield, he’s got a toughness about him that I like,” Brown stated.

McKoy has patiently been awaiting his turn to be “the guy”. He saw minimal playing time as a freshman sitting behind Justin Crawford and Rushel Shell. McKoy has become a better all-around back each year since and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him dangerous.

Watching him at North Davidson High School in North Carolina, it was clear that he was special. The first play from scrimmage was a swing pass out of the backfield that he nearly took to the house. He began the following drive he was off to the races again, securing the handoff and putting six on the board from nearly 60 yards out. By halftime, he had to have had over 270 all-purpose yards.

Leaving the game that night, I immediately compared him to Wendell Smallwood. A dual-threat back that can hit the hole quick, slip out of the backfield and make plays.

With the Mountaineers having very little experience at the receiver position, it will be pivotal for McKoy to be a threat in the passing game. If he is able to give Neal Brown four to five catches a game on top of 12-15 carries, it spells success for the offense.

Kennedy has always made the most of his opportunities on the field and now with all the hard work he put in off the field, Neal Brown believes the senior running back could have a special year.

”I think if he can stay healthy, he’s sitting on a big year. He’s played at a high level in this conference before and his confidence is higher than it ever has been. When you get into coaching you can sense when guys are sitting on big years and I’m hopeful and I believe he’s sitting on a big year.”

Now the true question is; What is Neal’s definition of a “big year”? Big year statistically or big year as in finding various ways to help the offense put up points or potentially both? With three other running backs expected to get carries (Martell Pettaway, Leddie Brown & Alec Sinkfield), don’t expect McKoy to be an every-down back that sees 20 plus touches a game. However, if the other backs struggle, he may very well see upwards of 20 touches.

With the head ball coach expecting big things from McKoy, how many rushing yards do you see him finishing the season with? Let us know.

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