Tennessee 'checked all the boxes' for commitment from Oregon State's Jermod McCoy
The Tennessee defensive backfield got stronger with the addition of Oregon State transfer corner Jermod McCoy. The Texas native picked Tennessee over Texas A&M, Oregon and Oklahoma because the Vols had all that he was looking for.
“Tennessee checked all the boxes,” McCoy said. “They offered opportunities because they had two corners leaving and the coaches were straight forward with me and my family.”
When Tennessee defensive backs coach, Willie Martinez reached out to McCoy and his family, the two parties realized that they have several mutual connections. The longtime defensive assistant really impressed McCoy during his visit, which ultimately helped him decide on Tennessee.
“I loved Coach Martinez,” McCoy said. “He showed me how I fit into the defense and they play a mixture of press man and zone which I think fits my game.”
McCoy called Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel on Monday to deliver the good news. There was some excitement on both ends of the phone.
“He was excited,” McCoy said. “He yelled and all the coaches came in and was trying to figure out what was going on. He told me he may try to get me up there this week to see bowl practice or down for the bowl game to get me around the team and stuff.”
The Tennessee staff showed well on the visit
Both Heupel and Martinez played key roles in helping McCoy see himself in the SEC at Tennessee.
“They needed me,” McCoy said. “There is a difference between liking and loving and they showed me they love me and my family.
“I wanted to play at a high level. I knew after my visit but after my visit to A&M it just sealed the deal for me.”
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His visit was brief, but he was surprised to see Knoxville looked a little bit different than he imagined it would.
“I loved how it was downtown,” McCoy said. “It reminds me of home and when we first got there it reminded me of Texas.”
He will hit the ground running next month when he starts school on Rocky Top and begins the winter time work towards spring practice.
“I’m pumped and ready to get to work,” McCoy said. “It shouldn’t be hard. It’s just learning the new system.”
McCoy joins safety Jakobe Thomas as new defensive back room additions in picking Tennessee out of the transfer portal.
