Coyle ready for senior season at Quincy... and beyond

QUINCY — Former Bureau Valley standout Josh Coyle was always a big man, and now that he is gearing up for his final season on the offensive line at Quincy University, he has a big dream ... to play in the NFL.

Standing at 6-3 1/2 and weighing in at 295 pounds, Coyle, who was a member of Bureau Valley’s 2005 state runner up squad, has the measurements suited for a career in pro football. His best time in the 40-yard dash is 4.9 seconds, and he can toss up 27 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.

Along with his physical attributes, Coyle, a Midwest League first-team all-conference selection for Quincy, is a proven asset on the field, helping lead the Hawks to three straight winning campaigns. For his performance this past season, he was given the school’s Offensive Lineman of the Year award.

For his last season with the Hawks, Coyle will make the transition from right guard to left tackle. The move should help garner attention from pro scouts.

“Left tackle is usually the anchor of the offensive line,” Coyle said. “My coach said I’m pretty much his best athlete, and he wants me to play out there, I’m fine with that move.”

Coyle said his chance of drawing the attention of pro teams will increase proportionately to the success the Hawks have on the field this fall.

“My ultimate goal is to win a conference championship, which has never been done before at Quincy. If we win a conference championship, then we can go out and get in the playoffs,” Coyle said. “If we do that, it will help everyone on our team out with awards and stuff like that.

“Going out and winning games is what’s going to get us recognized; just having good athletes and winning a couple games won’t get anyone recognized. To win is the only way to get noticed.”

As he nears the end of his college career, Coyle says his long-term goal of playing pro football has become more and more of a possibility.

“I’ve been playing football for 13 or 14 years, and it’s always been kind of a goal, and each year I work towards it more,” Coyle said. “As it gets closer and closer, I’ve really been busting my butt.”