Wide receiver for the Tennessee Vols, Bru McCoy, declared on January 2 that he would rejoin the team in 2024.
However, he claimed that three weeks prior, at his grandfather’s bedside, he knew exactly what he would do.
On WNML 99.1 The Sports Animal on Wednesday, McCoy stated, “The family was flown home (in California) and we’re all taking our turns taking care of him when he was in hospice care.”
It was my turn to enter and offer my condolences. Over the bed, he had a Tennessee blanket hanging. But dad said so much about Tennessee and my time here, before he passed away. It seemed as though God had chosen and presented the option to me.
On September 30, McCoy had a horrific ankle injury against South Carolina. His right ankle fractured and dislocated, necessitating four surgeries and ten days in the hospital.
It put a stop to his 2023 season and, if he chose to enter the 2024 NFL Draft, his UT career.
Rather, McCoy will play one more season with the Vols by making use of his additional year of eligibility. He claimed that his decision was cemented during his last encounters with his deceased grandfather in December.
McCoy stated, “I didn’t make a decision for another three weeks after (his death).” But deep down I understood that this site has special meaning for me. It’s where I’m at home. Family is involved. just like I am today at home with my family. So that’s when I made my decision.
Anticipations for Bru McCoy and Nico Iamaleava in the 2024 season
In California, McCoy had been rehabilitating his ankle. He came back to Knoxville on Wednesday to attend a NIL event and ahead of the spring semester.
Notably, unlike in the latter part of the season, McCoy is no longer sporting a walking boot.
“Rehab has gone quite well. No obstacles. from the boot. Every day, I put on shoes. I go about my business normally. I have normal lifting strength,” McCoy remarked. “I’m now making the move to become into football player Bru McCoy.
“I want to use this time I have to recover and improve myself,” I don’t want to be a different player when I return. My goal is to improve.
The Vols, who applauded McCoy’s choice to come back, would benefit from that.
While McCoy was recovering in California, quarterback Nico Iamaleava stated at the Citrus Bowl that he was actively seeking McCoy to play one more season.
McCoy hails from California’s Palos Verdes Estates. Iamaleava hails from Long Beach, which is a short distance away. They will serve as UT’s link to California come 2024.
It is not anticipated that McCoy will take part in spring practice. However, as UT restructures its receiving corps for Iamaleava’s first season as the starter, he ought to play a significant role in the fall.
McCoy is a powerful and sure-handed receiver who weighs 220 pounds at 6 feet 3 inches. Prior to his injury, he had 17 catches for 217 yards and one touchdown in the previous season. He caught 52 passes for 667 yards and four touchdowns in 2022.
At slot receiver, Squirrel White will make a comeback. His 803 yards and two touchdowns from 67 receptions last season led UT.
Competing in the spring are Chas Nimrod and Kaleb Webb, who took over for McCoy following his injury. Dont’e Thornton, an Oregon transfer, will also make a comeback from a lower leg injury that ended his season.
Chris Brazzell, a transfer from Tulane, Mike Matthews, a five-star freshman, and Braylon Staley, a four-star freshman, are the newcomers. They’re all signed up and ready to go for the spring practice competition.
