Former Vols WR Bru McCoy provides encouraging offseason comments about Tennessee sophomore WR Mike Matthews
Tennessee Vols rising sophomore wide receiver Mike Matthews flirted with the idea of entering the NCAA transfer portal after the 2024 season, but he never filed the paperwork to initiate the transfer process, instead opting to return to Knoxville for the 2025 season. Matthews, a former five-star recruit from Georgia, is expected to be one […]
Tennessee Vols rising sophomore wide receiver Mike Matthews flirted with the idea of entering the NCAA transfer portal after the 2024 season, but he never filed the paperwork to initiate the transfer process, instead opting to return to Knoxville for the 2025 season.
Matthews, a former five-star recruit from Georgia, is expected to be one of the top options in the passing game for the Volunteers this fall.
The former Parkview standout saw limited action as a true freshman for Tennessee in 2024, catching seven passes for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
According to former Vols wide receiver Bru McCoy, who is participating in the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week, Matthews started preparing for the 2025 season immediately after the 2024 season ended.
""His work ethic," said McCoy on Friday when asked what makes Matthews a special player. "When I was out training in [California], getting ready for this opportunity (at the combine), he actually came down. Got the opportunity to get on the field with him, catch (passes), run routes, go through drills. He started working pretty much as soon as the season ended."
It's clear that Matthews isn't taking his opportunity to be "the guy" for the Vols lightly. He knows it's going to take a full offseason of hard work to make an impact in the SEC.
Matthews has the talent to be an elite player. With a year of growth under his belt, the dynamic wide receiver should able to take a big step forward in 2025.
Along with Matthews, the Vols will also be relying on rising sophomore Braylon Staley, Alabama transfer Amari Jefferson, and returning redshirt junior Chris Brazzell, along with defensive back Boo Carter (who will see some time on offense), to be the program's primary playmakers at wide receiver this upcoming season.
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