It looked like Bru McCoy was shouting into the abyss at Neyland Stadium when he caught that pass near the goal line.

He was actually calling to his grandfather, who died in December as the star wide receiver mulled whether to endure a grueling rehab on his injured ankle and return to Tennessee football this season.

“(My reaction after that catch) was because this was my first game since I lost my grandfather,” McCoy said. “I made a very similar catch in the last game he saw me play. That came to mind, and it jazzed me up.”

It happened in the second quarter of Tennessee’s 69-3 win over Chattanooga on Saturday, when McCoy cut right and ran a sharp slant route. He caught a 37-yard pass from quarterback Nico Iamaleava to the 3-yard line.

Then McCoy jumped to his feet and roared into the sky in celebration. It was cathartic. And it was in memoriam for the beloved grandfather he lost.

How Bru McCoy took first steps back to Tennessee

McCoy suffered a gruesome right ankle injury that ended his 2023 season. It took determination during his relentless rehab to return to anywhere close to full strength.

He looked as strong as ever in the Vols’ season opener, catching a team-leading six passes for 88 yards.

It was the comeback McCoy had worked toward ever since he sat at the bedside of his dying grandfather, Robert Snyder, nine months ago. That’s when he decided to return as a sixth-year senior this season.

“I can’t think of anybody that would’ve been more proud (of my comeback),” McCoy said. “When I was flown home to see him the hospital (in California), I took my (walking) boot off and took my first steps when he got out of his hospital bed.

“That was a cool moment we had together.”

Last September, McCoy underwent four surgeries on the fracture-dislocation in his ankle, and he spent 10 days in the hospital.

But he fought through rehab, showing the resolve he inherited from his grandfather.

“I give a lot of credit for my success to him because of the values he instilled in me and how he taught me to be a man. I miss him a lot,” McCoy said. “He was a heck of an athlete. I try to take after him the best I can.”

Snyder, 81, died of cancer on Dec. 1. He was a standout baseball player at Pepperdine University and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants. He played two seasons in the minor leagues before a career as a physical education teacher in Southern California.

How Bru McCoy felt back at home in Neyland Stadium

In January, shortly after announcing that he would return this season, McCoy explained the impact that his grandfather’s death had on his decision.

“When he was in hospice care, the family was flown home (in California) and we’re all taking our turns taking care of him,” McCoy told WNML 99.1.

“It was my turn to go in and say my peace. He had a Tennessee blanket draped over the bed. … But before he passed, he spoke so highly about Tennessee and my time here. It was like God made the decision for me and he placed it in front of me.”

NICO IAMALEAVA REPORT CARD Stats, grades for Tennessee QB in Week 1

McCoy served as team captain in his first game back against Chattanooga. He is a go-to receiver for a third Tennessee quarterback: Hendon Hooker in 2022, Joe Milton in 2023 and now Iamaleava.

McCoy had some big plays in the blowout to open the 2024 season. But he also made sure to enjoy every moment of another game at Neyland Stadium.

“It was a little surreal, just going through everything,” McCoy said. “But I really enjoyed it. I soaked it in. Once you get back on the field, you get a sweat going. That's when you feel back at home.”

Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Bru McCoy: Tennessee WR paid tribute to grandfather who inspired comeback