If rookie running back LeSean McCoy enjoys success this season, the support system that he has in place might be the biggest reason why.
As McCoy walked off the sidelines following his first training camp practice as a pro, his parents - Daphne and Ron - were there to watch as the media surrounded him. In fact, it was the first time his parents went to his training camp since high school. McCoy looked sharp in the Monday morning workout catching passes out of the backfield. He didn't look like he had to hesitate because he wasn't sure of the plays. And if he should forget anything, the person living right next door to him is Brian Westbrook, who is already here at Lehigh undergoing rehab on his ankle.
The best part of having his parents so close, McCoy grew up in nearby Harrisburg, Pa., is that if he left any of the comforts of home they can be retrieved very quickly.
"(They) can pick everything up," McCoy said. "My mom and dad can bring my TV, my favorite pillow. That's a good thing."
McCoy also has the ear of former Eagle Ricky Watters, who is from Harrisburg as well. The three-time Pro Bowl running back rushed for over 10,000 yards during his career. McCoy talked to Watters before camp started and offered some advice.
"The biggest thing is learn your assignments," McCoy said of what Watters told him. "I think that's the main thing, learn your assignments in order for you to play fast. The less questions you ask, you kind of know what's going on, the more the coaches are going to have more faith in you."
All of this support has made McCoy feel at ease at the start of training camp. In fact, McCoy said he slept quite well Sunday night.
"Snoring and everything," he said.
When asked if he felt like he had to adjust to a bigger learning curve because of Westbrook being sidelined until mid-August, McCoy didn't feel like he did.
"Westbrook is Westbrook," McCoy said. "He's our guy. He's our leader ... He's a veteran, by far one of the top backs in the league ... I don't think so. I'm going to be learning the same with or without him."
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 12:12 p.m., July 27
