Josh Heupel gives latest on Bru McCoy's eligibility status, how he and other WRs performed Sunday

Tennessee added the commitment of former USC wide receiver Bru McCoy out of the transfer portal this summer. McCoy has impressed Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel early on in fall camp, though questions still remain about his eligibility.

McCoy has been on the practice field for Tennessee, and he played in the Volunteers’ scrimmage on Sunday. After the scrimmage, Heupel addressed the media and was asked about McCoy’s status.

“Don’t have an update on Bru,” Heupel said.

McCoy caught 21 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns in 2020, averaging 11.2 yards per reception as a freshman. He did not play in 2021 following an arrest last July. Now, McCoy is looking to bounce back in 2022 and make an instant impact on the Tennessee offense.

Heupel on McCoy, other Tennessee wide receivers

In addition to specifically assessing the performance from McCoy, Heupel addressed the performance from the rest of Tennessee’s wide receivers on Sunday. He was overall pleased with some of the growth he’s seen from some of the Vols weapons, which is going to be welcome news for star quarterback Hendon Hooker.

“I thought there were some real positive things today,” Heupel said. “Bru McCoy did some really good things out there inside of the stadium. I thought he handled and operated really well. Was physical with the ball in his hands. Jimmy Holiday made some plays today, some competitive catches and then run after the catch. Walker Merrill is a guy that’s had a really good training camp. Much better football player and understanding of what we’re doing from where we ended spring ball. I think he’s made strides and he’s done that offensively, he’s done that on special teams side of it too.

“So there’s still a ton of competition. We’ve had a couple guys that have missed a day or two here and there through training camp. This next block will be important to see those guys function and operate and handle the totality of what we’re doing offensively and ultimately prove that they deserve to be on the football field and play. Jimmy Calloway and Squirrel [White] in particular those two guys.”

Tennessee opens the regular season on Thursday, September 1 at 7 p.m. ET at home against Ball State.