By: Dallas Bowlin
Senior Staff Writer/Editor/Co-Host
All Vol Call In Show
"Milroe intercepted along the sideline!” shrilled Sean McDonough, as Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe had his first encounter with the daunting challenge of McCoy Island. Milroe took the snap near Tennessee’s five-yard line, dropped back, and floated a back-shoulder throw to Alabama’s electrifying freshman, Ryan Williams. All season long, Milroe had relied on Williams to make game-changing plays. But this time, Jermod McCoy had other plans. Shadowing Williams step for step, McCoy read the play perfectly, elevating to snatch the ball with one hand. He didn’t stop there—bringing it out of the end zone for a thrilling 54-yard return, leaving Milroe and the Alabama faithful stunned.
As a high school prospect, McCoy was overlooked, ranked as a three-star recruit and the 91st cornerback in the nation. Initially committing to Tulane on July 8, 2022, he de-committed in November, flipping to Oregon State just three days later. He signed with the Beavers on December 21. McCoy drew offers from schools like Lamar, Sam Houston, Georgetown, and Northern Arizona. No one foresaw just how high his ceiling was.
In his freshman year at Oregon State, McCoy made an immediate impact, recording 31 tackles, including 16 solo stops, one fumble recovery and two interceptions. After the season, he decided his time in the then PAC-12 was done. Entering the transfer portal on December 5, 2023, McCoy became one of the most coveted players on the market, with offers pouring in from Houston, Texas Tech, Washington, Auburn, Oregon, SMU, Michigan State, Utah, Louisville, TCU, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. After an official visit to Tennessee on December 13, McCoy committed to the Vols just a week later.
Heading into the 2024 season, much of the buzz around Tennessee’s defense centered on the dominant front seven and a strong linebacker corps. The secondary, however, was seen as a potential weak spot. Fans didn’t know what to expect from Jermod McCoy.
But now, they do.
So far this season, McCoy has already posted 24 tackles—just seven shy of his total from last year—along with 14 solo tackles, two interceptions (matching his 2023 total), and 71 return yards. His performance on the Third Saturday in October was a defining moment. Targeted 18 times in the game, Alabama’s Ryan Williams only matched up with McCoy on five of those attempts. But in those five, Williams found himself stranded on McCoy Island, managing just two catches for 28 yards, with only 5 yards after the catch, zero touchdowns, and one interception.
Let this serve as a warning to wide receivers across the SEC: McCoy Island is cold and lonely. It’s a place where receivers go to disappear.
Photo | Tennessee Football
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