Midland star RB Elijah McCoy commits to UTEP

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The Midland Bulldogs football team is sending another player to the next level. Running back, Elijah McCoy announced on Sunday via X that he committed to play football at the University of Texas at El Paso. McCoy chose UTEP over UTRGV and Sul Ross State because UTEP felt like home to him.

“I chose them because they kept telling me they want me and they might be saying that to everyone, but it hit me differently,” McCoy said.

McCoy represents his team on the field, in the classroom and on his jersey.

“[McCoy] wears the No. 5 for us, which is significant. It’s the player that represents someone who does his best in the classroom, in the community, then obviously has to make plays on Friday night,” head coach Thad Fortune said.

One of the most admirable things about McCoy is his humbleness. “Last year the publicity was on me and I enjoyed it, but this year they got to understand, it’s not a one-man show and we got dogs out there.”

In the 2023 season, McCoy had a big role for the Bulldogs, rushing for over 1,500 yards and 23 total touchdowns in route to Midland’s historic 9-3 playoff season. The Bulldogs finished second in District 2-6A, making their first playoff appearance since 2018.

“I can’t say enough about what Elijah means to our program. For our offense, we want to be strong up the middle and there’s no doubt that he is the focal point of our offense. He is huge for what he does offensively,” Fortune said.

McCoy will begin his senior year for the Bulldogs when they travel to play a tough Southlake Carroll team on Aug. 30. “It’s just another game, just like Pebble Hills or anybody. We have to focus and do what we can do which is win.”

“I don’t think anyone has to get our guys to understand what a challenge it will be and how good of a team they will be. We’re preparing not only for that week but every week after that. It will certainly be a fun week one, no doubt about that,” Fortune said.

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