He's the real McCoy

McCoy, a junior from Fresno, caught a team-high four passes for 53 yards in the 17-3 win, the first time this season a tight end has led the Trojans in receptions.

"I got to showcase some of my ability so it was pretty fun," McCoy said. "It was different. I got the ball four times. That's not usually what happens."

Not this season, anyway.

In 2007, with receivers struggling for consistency, tight end Fred Davis became the focal point of the passing game and led the Trojans in receptions nine times in 12 games.

But with Damian Williams, Patrick Turner and Ronald Johnson playing well this season, tight ends mainly have been relegated to blocking.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound McCoy showed his speed and athleticism on several catches against Cal, gaining yardage after short receptions.

"When I saw all that open grass, I just thought 'Get North and South for as many yards as you can,' " said McCoy, who has caught 11 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. "I hope I get more this week, but it's all up to the game plan. If stuff opens up, I'll be ready."

Klein is a Times staff writer.

gary.klein@latimes.com