Tennessee Vols redshirt senior wide receiver Bru McCoy was named this week as a semifinalist for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award.
The award, which is named after former Vols tight end Jason Witten, focuses primarily on a player’s leadership on an off the field.
McCoy is one of 20 semifinalists for the award.
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player’s leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football’s most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly’s Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
“I’m honored to announce the semifinalists for the Collegiate Man of the Year,” said Witten. “These twenty young men perfect examples of what makes college football so great. They have all demonstrated exceptional leadership and character, often while overcoming large challenges. They are great representatives for their schools and the game of football, and I commend all nominees for getting to this point.” (
Via JasonWitten82.com
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From JasonWitten82.com on Bru McCoy: The veteran leader of the Vols’ wide receiver corps, McCoy has played in 29 games with 26 starts. McCoy’s determination to return from a gruesome ankle fracture-dislocation last season has inspired his teammates, and countless others as he made the return to the field this year. Already a graduate, McCoy has also used his platform to benefit others in need through his “Huddle for Hearts” initiative, which has helped provide youth athletic organizations with AEDs (automated external defibrillator), a medical device designed to save those experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
Three finalists for the award will be named on December 16. The winner of the award will be named on February 12, 2025 at ceremony at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX.
The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award was first given out in 2017. Former Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith won the award in 2019.
