Former Tennessee football players are excelling throughout NFL Training Camps, and coaches throughout the league are taking notice.
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is the latest to give credit to a former Vol, as defensive back Jaylen McCollough has shown what he can do for the Rams' defense.
The Rams have been able to put McCollough anywhere they needed on their defense, including linebacker, safety, and nickel safety, showing his versatility. McVay credited that versatility on Friday when speaking to the media.
"He's so valuable, he's so versatile, he can play safety, he can play the dime linebacker," McVay shared about McCollough. "He's one of those guys, when you guys ask about different players, these are people you don't bet against. There are certain guys that just have a knack for being at the right place at the right time."
"He's so valuable, he's so versatile….he's made of the right stuff, and I love what he's about.” - Rams head coach Sean McVay on former Tennessee DB Jaylen McCollough pic.twitter.com/iti9xHiyYd
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) August 2, 2025
McCollough is flourishing in his role with the Rams, solidifying his position and importance in the Rams' defense. He started only one game last season but appeared in all 17 regular-season games and two postseason games.
McCollough finished his rookie season with four interceptions, 51 tackles, and one sack, with extra value brought to the secondary due to his versatility.
He will likely see his first preseason action next Saturday, when the Rams meet the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. They are scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM ET.
The Rams will play two more preseason games before the start of the season. Their Week 2 preseason game is against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, and the Rams will play the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland for their preseason finale.