Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy returning in 2023 to fill shoes of Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman
The Orange Bowl will be Bru McCoy’s first game as Tennessee's No. 1 wide receiver. But it won’t be his last.
On Wednesday, McCoy confirmed that he’s returning next season rather than testing the waters of the NFL Draft.
"Without a doubt, I'm coming back next year," McCoy said. "I want be the best teammate I can be and set more team goals than personal (goals)."
That’s significant for the Vols because they’re losing 2021 All-SEC performer Cedric Tillman and 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner Jalin Hyatt. Both players have opted out of the Orange Bowl to prepare for the draft.
McCoy has 48 receptions for 619 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games in his first season with the Vols after transferring from Southern Cal.
No. 6 Tennessee (10-2) will play No. 7 Clemson (11-2) in the Orange Bowl on Dec. 30 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. McCoy will lead a revamped receiving corps with freshman Squirrel White and senior Ramel Keyton.
They will catch passes from quarterback Joe Milton. He replaced SEC Offensive Player of the Year Hendon Hooker, who suffered a torn ACL that ended his Tennessee career.
Reach Adam Sparks at adam.sparks@knoxnews.com and on Twitter @AdamSparks.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy returning in 2023 to fill shoes of Jalin Hyatt, Cedric Tillman
