Bru McCoy’s last time on Shields-Watkins Field concluded early with a gruesome leg injury.
A fracture dislocation of his ankle suffered against South Carolina sidelined him for the remainder of 2023, putting a road to recovery and rehab ahead.
Fast forward to Saturday, McCoy returned to the same field that he saw end his season just 11 months prior.
“Huge for him,” head coach Josh Heupel said about McCoy’s return. “His family. I know I saw them in the hotel last night. I know they were excited, anxious, nervous, all of it.”
In the 69-3 win over Chattanooga on Saturday, McCoy made his presence felt.
McCoy’s first touch came on a jet sweep on the opening drive, taking the carry for nine yards. The crowd ensued with his name chant, welcoming him back to the game. On the next play, the California native hauled in a 5-yard reception for his first catch of the new season.
McCoy finished the game with a game-high six receptions, going for 89 yards. Additionally, he was named a captain for the contest.
“Bru was excited to play,” Heupel said. “Great that he got opportunities to get the ball in his hand, make plays and played really well.”
Everything leading up to the game was something he hadn’t done in nearly a year. Neyland Stadium is where he felt like was home.
“It was a little surreal, just going through everything,” McCoy said. “But I really enjoyed it. I soaked it in. Once you get back on the field, you get a sweat going. That’s when you feel back at home.”
This season, McCoy elected to change his jersey number back to his roots. Originally sporting No. 15 during his time at Tennessee, the graduate receiver chose to wear No. 5 this season. There were reasons provided, and two big ones came to mind.
“Anybody that knows me knows I grew up liking Reggie Bush,” McCoy said. “Five has always been my number. I kind of wanted to let it breathe after Hendon (Hooker) wore it because of the type of player he was and everything he accomplished. So after a year, I was like, ‘I’m gonna go out my last year and wear my favorite number.’”
McCoy’s grandfather is reason for the drive to get back
Taking the podium in the postgame press conference, McCoy described how it was his first game since his grandfather passed away.
He credits his grandfather, Robert Snyder, for giving him the motivation to return.
Playing baseball at Pepperdine University, Snyder eventually was drafted to play pro ball for the San Francisco Giants. McCoy knew the advice from his grandfather was worthwhile — saying he was quite an athlete himself.
“I give a lot of credit for my success to him because of the values he instilled in me and how he taught me to be a man,” McCoy said. “I miss him a lot. He was a heck of an athlete. I try to take after him the best I can.”
When McCoy flew back home to visit his grandfather in his hospital bed, it was the first time that he took his boot off after the injury. He took his first steps out of a boot with him in the room.
“I can’t think of anybody that would’ve been more proud,” McCoy said about his performance. “When I was flown home to see him the hospital, I took my boot off and took my first steps when he got out of his hospital bed.”
The last time his Snyder saw him play, McCoy made a similar catch to one he made near the goal line on Saturday. It reminded the receiver of what he was playing for.
“This was my first game since I lost my grandfather,” McCoy said. “I made a very similar catch in the last game he saw me play. That came to mind, and it jazzed me up.”
McCoy’s 37-yard catch brought out the emotion. McCoy said it was a nice moment to share.
With the first game under his belt, McCoy can now shift his focus away from the injury and fully towards game prep. McCoy will return to the field against NC State on Sept. 7.
