Tennessee’s defense was well known for having a bad secondary. Well, that was before this season.
Led by cornerback Jermod McCoy, who transferred from Oregon State before the season, the Vols are the third-best defense in the SEC when it comes to defending the pass, allowing just 171 yards passing per game.
“We we just kind of got this connection with each other now that we didn’t really have in the beginning,” McCoy said on Tuesday. “So it just makes it a lot easier for us.”
The Vols’ defensive backfield is made up of many different parts. McCoy is a transfer. Safety Will Brooks, who has three interceptions this season, is technically still a walk-on.
“He’s just so smart,” McCoy said of Brooks. “He’s just able to keep everybody in check and just make sure we’re doing our job and just the whole defense overall.”
Then, there’s Boo Carter. The freshman defensive back registered his first career interception last week against Mississippi State.
“Definitely a hothead,” McCoy said. “You can see on the field. He’s talking to somebody, but he’s been pretty locked in. That’s just Boo.”
The Vols are certainly thinking about what could happen if they beat Georgia in Athens on Saturday. That would almost assure Tennessee of a bid in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff.
“Some games are for sure bigger than the others, but I try to treat them all the same, come with the same intentions, same preparation,” McCoy said. “Just keep doing what we’re doing.”
McCoy has seen another level of football since he transferred from out west. Clearly, things have amped up a bit, which will certainly be the case at Georgia this weekend.
“It’s been crazy,” McCoy said. “I love the atmosphere and feeling. I’ve never played in a stadium as big and as loud as it. So I mean, it’s definitely fun. They say that Athens is loud, so I’m looking forward to that.”
