The Tennessee Volunteers knew coming into the season that they would be without their key secondary player, Jermod McCoy. The transfer from Oregon State impressed last season in his first year at Rocky Top, proving he belonged in the SEC. However, in January, he suffered a torn ACL.
“McCoy was at home in East Texas when he suffered the knee injury during a training session, and he has already undergone surgery. He could still return for the 2025 season, depending on the pace of his rehabilitation,” Knox News’ Adam Sparks wrote.
With no clear date for his return, Tennessee’s secondary knew they would have to step up. Unfortunately, starting cornerback Rickey Gibson suffered an injury in week one against Syracuse.
“In another hit to the Tennessee Volunteers' secondary, starting cornerback Rickey Gibson III will be out for 'an extended period' after injuring his left arm in Saturday's season-opening win against Syracuse,” ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported.
On Monday morning, ESPN’s Pete Thamel confirmed that neither player will be available for Saturday’s game.
“Tennessee will again be without its two starting corners against Georgia this week, as both Jermod McCoy and Rickey Gibson are not expected back. McCoy is still recovering from his ACL tear in January, and Gibson (undisclosed) is out for an extended period of time,” Thamel posted.
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Tennessee will be missing two of their top defenders in the secondary, but Colton Hood and Ty Redmond are expected to step up.
“Colorado/Auburn transfer Colton Hood, who leads the SEC in PBUs with 5, has played well in place of McCoy. True freshman Ty Redmond is expected to start again for the Vols. McCoy was a first-team preseason All-American and No. 31 on ESPN’s Top 100 player list,” Thamel wrote.
While two of Tennessee’s top defenders are sidelined, there is plenty of faith in the young players. Hood and Redmond have performed well so far. Facing Georgia is always a tough test, but with the crowd roaring in Neyland Stadium, Hood and Redmond will be eager to help end the Volunteers’ long losing streak against the Bulldogs on Saturday.