Top-75 2026 DL JaReylan McCoy discusses growing relationship with Vols, ready to visit in the fall

Tupelo High School (Miss.) 2026 four-star defensive lineman JaReylan McCoy is one of the top defenders in the cycle. He has multiple major Power 4 offers, and Tennessee is a school he has started to hear from even more over the recent weeks. He shares the latest with Volquest.

“I have learned a lot of stuff about Tennessee,” McCoy said of the growing bond with Tennessee and what he has learned. “I know that they are going to have a really good season this upcoming year. They have some pretty good defensive linemen there. They know how to develop guys up there and get them to the league like James Pearce. He is one of the top EDGE rushers, and I feel like they have something special going on, and it is going to keep happening with the 25 and 26 class.”

Since June 15th, when college coaches could start reaching out to prospects in the 2026 class, McCoy feels like Tennessee has made him a priority.

“I feel like Tennessee has been building a strong relationship with me, and the way they have communicated with me,” McCoy said. “They have been making me feel like a priority.”

Senior Defensive Analyst Levorn “Chop” Harbin, has been a big part of the Vols making the four-star a high priority.

“I just see that he has that personality where he is going to coach when you when it is time be coached, but he is going to love you up to,” McCoy said of what stands out about Coach Chop. “He takes the time to get to know you, and he is a genuine guy. I really like that about him.”

McCoy has also started to craft a relationship with Tennessee Defensive Line Coach Rodney Garner as well.

“I have talked with Coach Garner a few times now,” McCoy said of Garner. “He is a pretty chill guy that is going to keep it real with you. He knows how to develop you. He is an older coach, so he has seen a lot of things. He knows how to put people in the right position to succeed.”

McCoy has been to Tennessee once before, and he plans to return to Knoxville for a game day in the fall. When he returns, he knows exactly what he will be looking for.

“I have been out to Tennessee before for a camp,” McCoy said. “It was a good camp, and it is a beautiful place. There were a lot of good guys up there. I want to see how Coach Chop and Coach Garner coach those guys up during the game. I want to see how they make changes during the game. Just seeing how the players take the coaching.”

As the No.56 overall prospect in the 2026 cycle works through the process, he knows what is important to him in the process.

“I like communication,” McCoy said of what he focuses on in his recruitment. “I like to know what is going on, what you expect from me, and how I can get used. I just want to be updated on what is going on, so I have an idea of what is like when I get there and am part of the team.”

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