Italy: Varese Skorpions add versatile safety Cory McCoy for 2026 campaign
The Varese Skorpions, who finished second in IFL Group B with a 6-4 record before falling in the Wild Card playoffs, have strengthened their secondary for the 2026 season by signing experienced American safety Cory McCoy, a 6’2”, 210-pound defensive back from Anacoco, Louisiana.
Proven production across multiple leagues
McCoy brings a wealth of international experience to Varese, having most recently played for the Düsseldorf Panther in Germany’s GFL during the 2025 season. Prior to that, he demonstrated his playmaking ability on both sides of the ball during the 2023 campaign, splitting time between the LFA Monterrey Fundidores (45 tackles in 5 games) and the GFL1 Marburg Mercenaries (37 tackles, 3 interceptions in 6 games). His versatility extends to special teams, where he averaged 27.4 yards per kick return for Marburg with one touchdown.
High-level pedigree and recognition
McCoy’s professional journey follows an impressive college career at McNeese State and Marshall University where he established himself as a ball-hawking defensive back. He earned All-Southland Conference honors in 2019 after leading the conference with 18 passes defended and was named to the preseason all-conference team in 2020. His talent also earned him rookie mini-camp invites from both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in 2022, along with a workout invitation from the XFL’s DC Defenders. His combination of size, production, and experience at multiple levels of football makes him a significant addition to the Skorpions’ defense as they look to advance deeper into the IFL playoffs.
