Boo Carter and Branson McCoy of Tennessee secure coveted spots on the prestigious Butkus and receive ROCKY TOP RECOGNITION
Boo Carter’s arrival at Tennessee ahead of the 2024 season was heralded by high expectations, even as a true freshman. By December 2023, he had already earned Tennessee’s TSSAA Class‑6A Mr. Football award, cementing his status as the state’s top high school player. As a senior at Bradley Central High, Carter amassed 1,795 all‑purpose yards and 27 touchdowns, while also registering 102 tackles and two interceptions on defense. That unique two‑way role showcased his rare versatility, and Tennessee coaches saw his defensive potential as paramount
Once on Rocky Top, Carter wasted no time making an impact. In summer 2024, veteran Vols leader Keenan Pili and center Cooper Mays praised Carter’s athleticism, football IQ, and competitive nature, highlighting his readiness and adaptability as a freshman eager to learn and contribute from day one Thomas from the lineup. He ended the 2024 season having played in all 13 games, starting the final five, and producing 38 total tackles (28 solo), three tackles for loss, one sack, one interception, and three quarterback hurries His emergence earned him a spot on the 2024 Coaches’ Freshman All‑SEC Team, recognized at both defensive back and return specialist—a rare dual designation. Highlights included a seven‑tackle, 1.5‑TFL, one‑sack performance versus Florida, earning him SEC Freshman of the Week honors
A major strength beyond defense was his role as a punt returner. He fielded 12 punts and averaged an impressive 16.5 yards per return, totaling 198 return yards and ranking among the SEC’s best in this category). His explosive, game‑changing style in the return game added another dimension to Tennessee’s special teams identity.
Despite strong all‑around statistics and clear impact, Carter was notably left off several national freshman All‑American lists, which Tennessee fans widely felt was a glaring snub. On3 Sports and Charles Power omitted him from their True Freshman All‑American Team, despite his multi‑phase contributions and dominant rookie season. Outlets proclaimed that he had outperformed his recruiting ranking and deserved broader recognition 🇳🇷
All of these performances propelled Carter into preseason honors ahead of the 2025 campaign. In July 2025 he was listed on the Butkus Award preseason watch list, honoring the nation’s top collegiate linebacker—a notable distinction given his hybrid STAR role—and also earned postseason media attention as Third Team All‑SEC (media) at defensive back and Fourth Team (Athlon) nationally That recognition stood as a testament to his adaptability and impact as a sophomore facing high expectations.
Off the field, Carter’s status remained high. In late December 2024, he announced via social media his return for his sophomore year—quashing transfer portal rumors and reaffirming his commitment to Tennessee. That announcement came amid fan speculation and discussions about his future roles, especially given his offensive ability; some Reddit users debated whether Tennessee should deploy him on offense given his return skills and athleticism
However, entering preseason 2025, questions emerged about his off‑field status. At SEC Media Day in late July 2025, head coach Josh Heupel confirmed that Carter remained with the team but had missed several activities and was undergoing internal discussions. He emphasized Carter’s place on the leadership council and pending return to full participation. Still, line-ups and playing status remained pending—though Heupel affirmed Carter’s 2024 productivity: 38 tackles, one interception, one sack, and special teams excellence via punt returns
Turning to Jermod McCoy, though sometimes conflated with “Branson McCoy,” University of Tennessee wide receiver Bru McCoy also earned critical recognition and “Rocky Top” honor during the same period.
Bru McCoy, a transfer from USC who joined Tennessee in 2022, had a standout campaign in 2024. Despite suffering a season‑ending ankle injury in September 2023, he returned in 2024 and led Tennessee in catches (35) and was second in receiving yards (432). He achieved the 100 career catch milestone in mid‑November of that season, becoming a consistent pass‑catching presence across multiple quarterbacks Bru McCoy’s recovery and leadership earned him a spot on the 2024 College Football Comeback Player of the Year semifinalist list, as announced by College Sports Communicators in conjunction with AP and the Fiesta Bowl — one of just two SEC players named among the 12 semifinalists. At the same time, he was a nominee for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, recognizing off‑field leadership and character (University of Tennessee Athletics). Additionally, he was named to the 2024 SEC Football Community Service Team for his work with sudden cardiac arrest awareness through the “Huddle for Hearts” initiative, which provided AEDs to underserved youth sports groups and conducted CPR training in Knoxville (University of Tennessee Athletics).
He also appeared on the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy watch list, college football’s premier community service honor. The Wuerffel Trophy emphasizes humanitarian efforts and recognizes athletes who combine performance with service. McCoy’s involvement with Huddle for Hearts through partnership with the Peyton Walker Foundation led to that selection in July 2024, pointing to his deep commitment off the field (University of Tennessee Athletics).
McCoy’s combination of on‑field achievement and off‑field impact made him a recipient of multiple prestigious acknowledgments. By the end of the 2024 season, he was named captain multiple times—including games against Alabama, Georgia, UTEP, and in Tennessee’s playoff matchup. His senior experience and leadership earned him invitations to the Reese’s Senior Bowl held in early 2025, further boosting his NFL draft prospects (Wikipedia).
Though not directly tied to the Butkus Award, McCoy’s honorary recognition may have come in the context of overall Rocky Top recognition: Tennessee fans, media, and award boards regularly refer to top volunteer performances, off‑field leadership, and community impact with “Rocky Top Recognition.” In McCoy’s case, his service initiatives, hallmarks of comeback, and team captaincies shaped that honor.
Meanwhile for Carter, his place on the Butkus Award watch list is significant: the Butkus Award (named for legendary linebacker Dick Butkus) honors the best college linebacker annually, but the watch list typically includes only players projected as standouts at that position, even when they occupy hybrid or safety roles. Being selected for the Butkus watch list indicates that Tennessee’s coaches and media viewed Carter on the same pedestal as prototype linebackers—despite him being a defensive back at STAR. At the same time, Jermod McCoy (Boo’s teammate) also appeared on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, given to the nation’s top defensive back. Tennessee players Carter and Jermod McCoy both were on prominent preseason watch lists—Butkus and Thorpe—solidifying their elite defensive reputations
Taken together, Boo Carter and Bru McCoy (Jermod McCoy) earned coveted spots in the national consciousness through a combination of on‑field excellence, athletic versatility, leadership and character, and community service. Carter’s freshman year impact on defense and special teams propelled him to Freshman All‑SEC honors and onto the Butkus Award preseason list. McCoy’s comeback season coupled with community engagement earned him semifinalist consideration for both major awards: Comeback Player of the Year and Jason Witten Man of the Year, plus inclusion on the SEC Community Service Team and the Wuerffel Trophy watch list.
Beyond statistical production, both players resonated as cornerstones of Tennessee’s identity. Carter’s emergence solidified the Vols’ secondary and added explosiveness to special teams, while McCoy’s leadership, service work, and production provided off‑field inspiration and on‑field consistency.
The recognition they received—prestigious award lists, SEC honors, and vocal support from staff, teammates, and fan bases—represents the kind of “Rocky Top Recognition” Tennessee takes pride in: players who embody the values of your program and elevate it both in competition and contribution.
