Former USC wide receiver Bru McCoy has announced his decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers for the 2022 season.
McCoy, a five-star recruit in the 2019 class, entered the transfer portal back in January after a season marred by troubling legal issues. Head coach Josh Heupel and the Tennessee program immediately reached out as potential suitors.
McCoy’s father, Horace, discussed what went into his son’s decision to head to Knoxville during an interview with 247Sports.
“There were a lot of factors that went in to his decision,” Horace McCoy said. “A big one was the culture at Tennessee. We met the players and the entire coaching staff and everything they talked up lined up when we saw them in action.
“We watched a practice and just saw how the players and coaches interact on and off the field. He wanted to be around a positive culture in a great learning environment with players who want to be there and it just felt like home for Bru right away.”
McCoy, a former superstar player for Mater Dei in Santa Ana, was recruited as the No. 1 athlete in the 2019 class. Though his preference has always been wide receiver, he was also an elite talent as a pass rusher.
McCoy’s father believes this physical nature will help his son thrive in Heupel’s pass-heavy offense.
“The scheme they run is perfect for Bru,” the elder McCoy added. “When you’re looking for a school, scheme fit is so important and he loves the offense and how they can use him.
“Bru is a big kid, 6-3, 225 pounds right now and that offense allows receivers to get the ball early and then get up the field. It also allows you to make plays down the field in 50-50 situations and obviously coach (Josh) Heupel has shown he likes to throw the ball a lot so it’s a phenomenal fit.”
McCoy finished his freshman season at USC with 21 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns. He did not suit up at all during the 2021 season after he was arrested on suspicion of intimate partner violence last July. The district attorney’s office didn’t file charges, but the young WR never returned to the team.
McCoy will look to get a fresh start with Tennessee in 2022.