Washing dishes and working out.

That’s what former South Carolina State quarterback Cleve McCoy has been doing, spending his days at home in Ravenel preparing his body for the next level and his nights in downtown Charleston earning a little extra cash at Justine’s, since showing his wares to the small group of NFL scouts who attended the Bulldogs Pro Day a few weeks back. The 6-2, 225-pounder impressed at the workout at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, so much so that he’s nervous as the beginning of the final stages of the NFL Draft kick off today in New York. His showing as a receiver, according to his agent, moved him up the board from being ranked in the mid-100s by some teams at the position and into the 30-to-40 range.

“(My agent) has told me that my draft stock has gone up,” McCoy said. “He said that I have draftable qualities now and that puts me in the late rounds. There are not many receivers in the draft with my size.”

McCoy said Saturday night would be restless, but whether he is drafted or is offered an NFL free-agent deal, McCoy is assured of getting a shot in professional football. According to him, a deal is on the table with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. Should he not get drafted or offered an NFL contract, he said, he will sign the deal and play quarterback for the Blue Bombers.

“(Winnipeg) called around,” he said. “Coach (Buddy) Pough and those guys sent some film, and they liked what they saw on film.

“I feel a slight relief,” McCoy added. “I’m not fully relieved. That is the CFL, and it is nothing like the NFL. But, it does take a little pressure off me. It’s always good to know that I will be playing football somewhere.”

So, as the late rounds wrap up today, McCoy -- who has had inquiries from the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and New York Giants -- will be in Charlotte with his agent.

“I’m just taking this one step at a time,” he said. “I want to see how the draft comes out, and Canada is ‘Plan B.’ I’m just preparing myself for that when that time comes.

“(My family) is happy,” he added. “They are happy if I am happy. That is the mode we are in. This weekend means a lot.”

n T&D Sports Editor Brian Linder can be reached by e-mail at blinder@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5553. Check out his blog, Welcome to Linderland, at www.thetandd.com.

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