The Spartanburg area is blessed to always have some of the best running back talent in the entire state of South Carolina. If you venture just beyond the county line into Greer, that does not change. The Yellow Jackets have had such memorable tailbacks as Dre Williams, Quez Nesbitt, Lamar McGee, etc — all guys that have paved the way for another one of the best local stars at the position — senior Calvin McCoy.
In his Junior season, Calvin ran for 1,339 yards and 13 touchdowns on 207 carries — an average of over 120 yards per game and six and a half yards per carry. But, the Greer native’s success story began long before his arrival to campus in 2023. In fact, one might call it destiny that he ended up playing football for the Yellow Jackets.
“I grew up right across the street from Dooley Field”, said McCoy. “I could literally see, hear, and feel the energy from the stadium every Friday night from the day I was born. Being a Yellow Jacket is just a part of my DNA. I love the environment at Greer. Seeing a whole community cheering for you to succeed brings so much joy to me. There is nothing that gets me pumped on Friday nights at Dooley Field quite like walking through the smoke and down the stadium steps through the hoard of cheering fans.”
Having grown up in the shadow of the watertower, it is no shocker that his journey to playing on the field he grew up across from began at an early age. But, for a running back that goes with his tempo on the field, you may be shocked to find that his off-field hobby is a huge change of pace.
“I had always watched football. So, when I was six, I decided I wanted to try playing it”, Calvin explained. “I also enjoy basketball. But football has always been my number one favorite sport. But, my favorite hobby is fishing. My grandparents introduced me to it. Being by the water fishing always brings me some relaxation and I love the peace of mind it gives.”
McCoy, like most youth his age, also leans heavily into music for entertainment and focus. In fact, along with watching game film, listening to music is how he locks in for Friday nights.
“My music taste varies depending on my mood”, said Calvin. “Sometimes I will play some rap music with artists such as YB (YoungBoy) or Future. Other times I will listen to some R&B like Lauren Hill.”
If the mention of his grandparents or his love for his community wasn’t enough of a clue for you, Calvin deeply values connection — particularly with his family, who he attributes a lot of his success to.
“My family, especially my mom, have been the biggest influences on my life so far”, McCoy said lovingly. “They have taught me that the biggest key to my success on and off the field is to be disciplined, work hard, and be ambitious in everything I do. My mom has taught me that when I fall down, I always have to get back up. Life is always going to kick you down, but the most important thing is that you get back up and keep trying.”
That push to be ambitious in everything he does has shaped far more than just his mentality on the football field. It has also helped shape Calvin’s future plans.
“After graduation, I plan to attend college and continue playing football. But, football is not the end goal”, McCoy stated. “I am being recruited actively and am taking official visits. But, beyond football, I want to major in business so that I can be a successful entrepreneur one day.”
Lessons learned from Greer head coach Will Young over the last three years have only added to the wisdom and drive that come from his family — again not shocking when you think about the family culture Young brings to the program.
“I love the tradition Coach Young has instilled in the program”, said McCoy. “Some of my favorite memories from Greer have come from playing alongside former teammates that felt more like family and helped shape me into the player I am today. The best piece of advice Coach Young ever gave me was that I have to earn everything. Nothing is going to be given to me.”
Aside from Coach Young, his family, and his teammates, Calvin also learned a great deal through his favorite teacher — Jamarcus Small, who served as the ISS coordinator at Greer Middle School and as a Behavioral Intervention Coach at Wade Hampton High School before a tragic car accident took his life back in December.
“‘Jmark’ became my mentor and my brother all in one. He impacted me in countless ways, stepping up as a role model and leader in my life. Without him, I would not be where I am today. From taking me to school to supporting me at my football games, I owe a lot to him”, McCoy warmly recalled.
All of the wisdom he has gained over the years sums up in one solid piece of advice Calvin would give to any aspiring athlete looking up to him.
“Always be true to yourself. Don’t worry about fitting in with the crowd. Instead, embrace who God designed you to be. When you embrace who you are, it gives you confidence that will allow you to do great things.”
You can catch McCoy and his Yellow Jacket family in action Friday night as Greer opens the 2026 season at Dooley Field against the Woodmont Wildcats. Kickoff is set for 7:30 PM.
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