By FRANK WARD
DailyPhiladelphian.com Editor
Bishop McDevitt High School in Harrisburg gave Philly an All-Pro running back in the mid 1990s. If everything goes according to plan, Eagle Nation may have to send donations to the high school’s football program for producing two top tailbacks.
LeSean “Shady” McCoy, forced into significant role due to concussions suffered by Brian Westbrook, exceeded expectations in his rookie year by rushing for a team rookie record 637 yards, and he found paydirt four times. He also caught 40 balls for more than 300 yards.
McCoy hails from the same high school as another name familiar to Eagles fans — Ricky Watters.
LeSean McCoy hails from the same high school as another former Eagles back — Ricky Watters.
Watters, who is helping kids via his Urban Youth League these days, takes pride in seeing another player from his alma mater manning the Eagles backfield.
“I heard about him before I even saw him play because he was coming from the same footsteps as me,” Watters said. “It’s cool to hear about and see a guy like me (in the NFL). It makes the alma mater look very good.”
Upon seeing him play in person and from afar, Watters continues to be impressed with the hard-nosed running style McCoy displays.
“The first time I saw him, he was slick,” the five-time Pro Bowler said. “Every time I watch him, he impresses me even more. Last year with much different competition and in a tough situation that he had to deal with, he did a great job.”
More important than the player on the field is the person in the community.
“I saw him at home at Super Bowl,” Watters said, “and he is a very cordial young man.”
Watters says he has talked to McCoy but wants to do more to help the second year back become an even better player.
“I’d love to help him even more because when I was young, if I had a guy to give me tips and cut up some of film with (I’d have been even better),” Watters said. “I’d like to do that for him.”
Like him or not, Watters could be a veteran presence, a sounding board, for McCoy. Maybe Andy Reid should extend the olive branch and bring Watters in for a couple days during training camp.
