Shepard's 'Real' McCoy Signs with Illinois State

On the football field, Shepard's Dontae McCoy distinguished himself as a multiple threat. In the classroom, he's scoring high marks, too.

And that's why he is headed to Illinois State to play next season.

McCoy, a senior who led Shepard to back-to-back football playoff appearances, was honored during a signing ceremony at school on Monday. He set a school record with 2,182 yards passing in three seasons playing quarterback on the varsity level for the Astros. He also was utilized as a wide receiver and defensive back. And, not being one to shy away from contact, he made 76 tackles.

Last fall, he threw for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns and led Shepard to a 6-4 overall record and 5-1 mark in the South Suburban Red, good for second place behind Richards. He also rushed for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Those numbers caught the eyes of college football coaches. So, too, did his work off the field. McCoy, 6 feet 1 and 185 pounds, has maintained a GPA of 3.0 while balancing football, basketball and academics.

"My mom, the coaches and my uncles all pushed me to succeed," he said. "My mother wouldn't accept C's, and if my grades weren't good, I couldn't play football."

He says he will be playing defensive back at Illinois State and is happy to land with the Redbirds.

McCoy is the first Shepard player to sign with Division I football program since Dominic Passolano took over as the Astros' coach.

"I hope Dontae can be a role model for guys in our program, and now it gives us a bit more credibility," Passolano said. "People don't realize how hard it is to get a scholarship at any level. He's never been in the dean's office, and he did all the little things to get where he is now.

"Kids need to realize that colleges want 'A' and 'B' students. Coaches pull deans, teachers and counselors to the side because they don't want any 'character cases.' Dontae fits the mold of a great college athlete."

McCoy is looking forward to the academic challenges at Illinois State and joining the Redbirds' football program. He also is excited to be playing just 90 minutes from friends and family.

"I love the family atmosphere and tradition at Illinois State," he said. "They showed me a lot of love. They were treating me like a Redbird before I even signed on the dotted line. My family and friends can come check me out because it's so close to home. So, that's a bonus."

McCoy said the Redbirds are a sleeping giant. He hopes to help them succeed, just as helped put Shepard back on the football playoff map. Then, one day, after he unfastens his chin strap for the final time, he plans to open his own dental office.