Tennessee star CB Jermod McCoy takes a significant step in his rehab process that should leave Vol fans encouraged

While it's unknown where this level of participation rates on Heupel's progression chart for McCoy's return, it's obviously a terrific sign that he's on the field and being as mobile and active as he is for being 7 months off the injury. Heupel is scheduled to speak again to the media on Saturday morning, so we'll see what he has to say as far as where McCoy's progression stands through the early stages of camp.

McCoy, who has been getting a lot of early consideration by some draft pundits as a first-round pick in next year's draft, had a tremendous first season last year for the Tennessee defense, showing himself to be one of the best transfer portal pickups of the entire offseason after coming over from Oregon State. He posted an 87.0 Pro Football Focus grade with an 89.6 coverage mark. He had a missed tackle rate of just 7% and allowed an opposing passer rating of 53.6 with a catch rate of 50%.