Revealing what Bru McCoy needs to do to offset the loss of Cedric Tillman

On3 imageby:Sam Gillenwater•05/23/23•

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Tennessee is going to have to replace some significant weapons at wide receiver this season. Even so, On3’s JD PicKell says Bru McCoy should have no issue doing that as he slides into the role of Cedric Tillman.

PicKell compared the two Volunteer receivers during a recent episode of ‘The Hard Count’. He did note that the two players aren’t exactly apples to apples when it comes to skill set. Still, when it comes to size and frame, he believes McCoy can have the same impact by making defenses respect what he can do when catching the football, specifically in the redzone.

“With Cedric Tillman (and) the size component of it? It’s a huge piece you’ve got to replace. Bru McCoy? Last year, I thought (he) did a really nice job stepping in when Cedric Tillman went down,” said PicKell. “Now, is Bru McCoy (going to be) Cedric Tillman? No. they both offer different things in terms of what they bring to the table from a skillset standpoint. But Bru McCoy is 6’3, 220. He can go win that jump ball, he can go body up that corner, he can make you have to honor that size on the outside.”

“When that becomes a factor like I was saying with Cedric Tillman? The same thing is true with Bru McCoy with how you have to defend him in the redzone. If you want to go man up with him in the redzone? Good luck to you but you better bring your hard hat and lunch pale. Make sure you’re clocked in early because it’s going to be a long day at the office if you want to go man with Bru McCoy,” PicKell said. “I think that’s Bru McCoy’s advantage every single day and that’s just how Tennessee likes it.”

Tillman caught 101 passes over the last two seasons for Tennessee which led to just under 1,500 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns.

As a fill-in at times for Tillman, though, McCoy had a quality first season on Rocky Top. After transferring in from USC, he caught 52 passes for the Vols last year for 667 yards and four scores. He finished second on the team in catches and receiving yards and third in reception toucjdowns.

Now, with Tillman off to the Cleveland Browns, a lot will be put on the large shoulders of McCoy. Still, all things considered, PicKell believes he can make an immediate impact for Tennessee by stepping right into Tillman’s previous role.