Tennessee Vols redshirt senior wide receiver Bru McCoy likes what he's seen so far this spring from true freshman wide receiver Mike Matthews.
Matthews, a former five-star recruit who signed with the Vols during the 2024 recruiting cycle, has been as advertised since arriving in Knoxville over the winter (Matthews also went through Citrus Bowl game practices with the Vols).
It's not just Matthews' physical ability that's been impressive this spring -- the way he approaches the game has also impressed teammates.
During an interview with the SEC Network during Tennessee's spring game on Saturday, McCoy pointed out Matthews' maturity and the way he's quickly picked up the Vols' offense as traits that stand out about the young wide receiver.
"A lot of maturity," said McCoy when asked what he's seen from Matthews. "He's supposed to be in high school, he's acting like a third or fourth year guy. He carries himself well. He shows up every day. He doesn't miss stuff. And he's really picked up everything super-quick. I couldn't even do it that quick when I came in early. So I commend him for all of that."
Matthews' talent and work ethic was evident during the Vols' spring game as the Georgia native caught a 63-yard touchdown from backup quarterback Gaston Moore.
The Vols have elite depth at the wide receiver position entering the 2024 season. And that depth means there's plenty of competition in Tennessee's wide receiver room.
Of course, that's a good thing. Competition breeds greatness. And Tennessee's wide receivers are embracing the competition while remaining extremely close as teammates.
"It's like a brotherhood," said McCoy of the Vols' wide receiver room. "Those are my brothers. That's my family. We lean on each other for everything. And it goes off the field, too. We really look out for each other and I think that helps with us all wanting to have success. It's competition, but we want to see us all win."
Tennessee's wide receivers obviously have to perform up to their potential in 2024. If they do, they just might be the best wide receiver group in the country this fall.
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