Tennessee receiver Bru McCoy underwent successful surgery Sunday morning after suffering a fracture-dislocation of his right ankle during the Volunteers' 41-20 home win against South Carolina in Week 5, the team announced. McCoy's injury occurred on a 17-yard reception during the second quarter of the contest, requiring him to be carted off the field before he was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
"Bru McCoy underwent successful surgery this morning after suffering a fracture-dislocation of his right ankle on Saturday night," Tennessee announced in a statement Sunday. "Bru and his family appreciate all of your prayers and support since last night and in the days ahead. Bru has displayed unwavering toughness, character and leadership as a Vol on and off the field, and he now begins the road to recovery, determined to make this just a minor setback on his football journey."
McCoy, is Tennessee's second-leading receiver through the first month of the season. He was credited with two catches for 21 total yards before exiting the contest. On the season, McCoy has caught 17 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown, averaging 12.8 yards per catch.
"Obviously you hate seeing that. Rough injury for him," coach Josh Heupel said. "Guy that's invested so much in him becoming his best, but over his journey here at UT, has invested and become a great leader and has a great impact on our building and wide receiver room. You guys have seen him, there's nobody in college football that plays harder or tougher than he does, too, and you just hate seeing that. It's a part of the game, but it's a part that you don't like.
"It's hard for him to grasp the injury," Heupel continued. "The toughest thing for an athlete is just in that moment where you're not healthy, and when I say you're not healthy, you're not on the beginning part of the journey of rehabbing, that's the toughest part because you're kind of in limbo. So I know that he's excited to get back on that rehab journey. He's got a great football future in front of him and we're excited for that."
A touted prospect in the 2019 recruiting class, McCoy began his collegiate career at USC, but saw limited action during his time with the Trojans. He transferred to Tennessee in time for the 2022 campaign and became a full-time starter for the Volunteers as they marched to an 11-2 record that included wins against Alabama and Clemson.
