Tennessee coach Josh Heupel says Jermod McCoy has 'more to go' before return

Tennessee corner back Jermod McCoy continues to rehab the torn ACL he suffered in January while training back on home in Texas. McCoy returned to the practice field to do some individual drill work back in August, but the projected first round draft pick has yet to play.

“Jermod continues to do a great job in his rehab with our medical staff, our strength staff,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “Somebody told me there was a report out there of a certain ball game that he’s focused in on as far as returning. I think that’s unfair. Whoever put that out there, I don’t think truly understands Jermod and the situation. He’s done a really good job.

“He’s got more to go. I think it’s all about him being prepared to go play. There’s a lot of things that go into that. You look at the position he plays, all the reactionary work that you have to have in so your always balancing his ability to be prepared and short-term, long-term health as well.”

How much more McCoy has to go is unknown. But McCoy has not been a full participant in any practice and has not taken any continue since the injury. 

Tennessee transfer Colton Hood has been a great get as the Vols have not only been without McCoy, they also lost starting cornerback Rickey Gibson in the season opener against Syracuse which has forced freshman Ty Redmond into the line up. 

Hood’s play through the first five games has sent him skyrocketing up draft boards including the first round in some mock drafts. 

Tennessee’s defense certainly have their hands full on Saturday as the Vols return to action as the host Arkansas Saturday afternoon at 4:15pm ET on the SEC Network.