Cornerback Jermod McCoy solidified himself as Tennessee's transfer portal gem on Tuesday when he was named a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the best defensive back in college football.

McCoy, an Oregon State transfer, is among 15 players on the list.

And notably, he is one of only two semifinalists who won’t be eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft because he’s just a sophomore. Ohio State cornerback Caleb Downs is the other.

That’s great news for the Vols, who can feature McCoy for at least one more season.

In the SEC, McCoy joins Texas senior Jahdae Barron, South Carolina junior Nick Emmanwori and Georgia junior Malaki Starks among the Jim Thorpe semifinalists.

Three finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award will be announced Nov. 26 on ESPN.

Tennessee's Eric Berry won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2009. The Vols have had three other finalists and four semifinalists, including Trevon Flowers in 2022.

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How Jermod McCoy went from unknown receiver to elite cornerback

McCoy has 28 tackles and leads the Vols with two interceptions and five pass breakups. According to Pro Football Focus, his 85.4 coverage grade ranks third in the SEC and 10th nationally among cornerbacks who have played at least 200 snaps.

McCoy has been one of the best transfers in college football this season, and his upward trajectory is steep.

Two years ago, he was a high school wide receiver who signed with Oregon State, the only power conference that offered him a scholarship. He moved to cornerback as a freshman at Oregon State, and he has quickly become one of the best in the nation.

Here are the 2024 Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists:

• Jahdae Barron, Texas, Sr.

• Jalen Catalon, UNLV, Sr.

• Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.

• Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.

• Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina, Jr.

• Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.

• Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.

• Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.

• Jermod McCoy, Tennessee, So.

• Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.

• Xavier Scott, Illinois, Jr.

• Terrence Spence, James Madison, Sr.

• Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.

• Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Grad

• Nohl Williams, California, Sr.

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: Jermod McCoy is Jim Thorpe semifinalist, best for Tennessee football