Tennessee Vols fans will love Bru McCoy's comments on NIL deals
NIL deals for college athletes can be a polarizing topic. Some fans don't like that college athletes can be compensated via NIL deals. While other fans don't love the current "Wild West" vibe that NIL deals combined with the NCAA transfer portal have created. I think most folks can agree that the system needs to […]
NIL deals for college athletes can be a polarizing topic.
Some fans don't like that college athletes can be compensated via NIL deals. While other fans don't love the current "Wild West" vibe that NIL deals combined with the NCAA transfer portal have created.
I think most folks can agree that the system needs to be overhauled. Otherwise there are going to be a lot of quality college football coaches either retiring early or heading to the NFL where constantly moving NIL markets and never-ending free agency aren't a thing. It's wild to say this, but the NFL seems like the much easier job for a coach these days.
One thing that fans — especially Tennessee Vols fans — can likely agree on, however, is UT wide receiver Bru McCoy's view of NIL deals.
McCoy was asked at Tennessee's media day on Tuesday how he determines what a fair market value is for himself when it comes to Nil deals.
The former USC wide receiver quickly pointed out that it's all about producing on the field. In other words, if he plays at a high level on Saturdays, he knows NIL opportunities will follow.
"I try not to think about it too much," said McCoy when asked about getting fair value for NIL deals. "I think the best way to figure out what fair market value is is go be productive and be super productive and let it be to the point where they can't deny you anything. And that comes on Saturday and that comes with a lot of preparation. So when I step into this building, I don't even think about NIL or anything like that. On the outside, obviously, there's opportunities. More opportunities come with success and success comes with work. So it's kind of you focus on what's gonna get you there first, and then whatever happens, happens."
McCoy was also asked if he's seen any instances of players getting too caught up in NIL deals.
And Vols fans will be happy to know that focusing too much on NIL deals hasn't been a problem in Tennessee's locker room.
"As long as you're handling what you're supposed to do in this building, how you choose to kind of take in the NIL spectrum or whatever, that's objective," explained McCoy. "But I haven't really had any conversations where I've walked away and been like 'ah man, that's not the right mindset about it'. Not in this building at least."
It sounds like Tennessee's focus is exactly where it needs to be — on winning games. And UT's players know what if the wins come, then there will be more than enough NIL opportunities to go around.
Vols OC Joey Halzle makes very strong statement about true freshman QB Nico Iamaleava
Tennessee Vols OC Joey Halzle made a strong statement about true freshman QB Nico Iamaleava
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
