Tennessee Vols get massive boost for 2024 with return of WR Bru McCoy
In the midst of the Tennessee Vols' 41-20 win over South Carolina on September 30, WR Bru McCoy lay on the Neyland Stadium turf in severe pain, his foot and ankle just turned in a direction that it shouldn't have been. The play was nauseating to watch. McCoy was dragged down after making a catch […]
In the midst of the Tennessee Vols' 41-20 win over South Carolina on September 30, WR Bru McCoy lay on the Neyland Stadium turf in severe pain, his foot and ankle just turned in a direction that it shouldn't have been.
The play was nauseating to watch. McCoy was dragged down after making a catch in the second quarter, and his ankle was trapped underneath him, which resulted in a dislocation. It seemed like a potentially bitter end as a Volunteer for a player who deserved far better.
Fortunately, that turns out not to be the last Tennessee fans will see of McCoy in Neyland Stadium. McCoy announced on Tuesday evening that he will be returning for one more season in Knoxville.
McCoy's toughness and blue-collar attitude from play to play has won him a revered place among the Tennessee fan base. While he's certainly put up solid numbers in the passing game, it's been his toughness as a run blocker that's made a big impact.
Tennessee's perimeter running and passing games work largely because of the blocking on the edge. Without it, plays are destined to fail. It was clear that Tennessee's ability to execute with their remaining outside wide receivers simply wasn't the same with McCoy out this season.
Now, Tennessee will have that element of their offense back for what's become an intriguing 2024 season, thanks in large part to the impressive performance from budding young star QB Nico Iamaleava and the rest of the Volunteers in UT's 35-0 win over Iowa in the Citrus Bowl. It's hard to overstate the importance of having an experienced, knowledgeable, and reliable target like McCoy alongside Iamaleava next season.
The only question now is McCoy's recovery from what the university confirmed was a fracture-dislocation of his ankle. It's unknown the timetable for his specific injury, but the offseason is a long one, so hopefully that will be sufficient time for him to continue his recovery and get fully healthy.
It's yet another significant reason this week for Tennessee fans to look towards September with renewed optimism.
Hendon Hooker has an exciting nickname for Nico Iamaleava
The former Vols’ great showed some love for the new face of the Tennessee program
