At this point in the #TN2024 recruiting process, McCord is one of the more underrated talents in the state and a prospect that has yet to take off with his recruitment but I think it’s only a matter of time before coaches finally get on board with this East Tennessee edge rusher. If you want leadership, production and the ultimate worker, McCord is your guy! This guy is aggressive and fierce with an active motor that opposing offensive linemen have a problem with and I think his best football is ahead of him as McCord continues to mature and develop. I think that McCord is such a productive ball player that I think he could be in contention for Mr. Football by the end of the 2023 football season. Reason for that thinking is because McCord has a natural feel for getting into the backfield as well as the bend to get around offensive tackles and chase down the quarterback. On film, McCord shows explosive flashes and play along with some sudden movements and the closing speed to chase down the ball. Watching him perform at our latest PRZTN Showcase, McCord showed off the ability to play middle linebacker as well. He brings a lot of value to the defensive side of the ball and I feel his game will only enhance further as he gets older and continues to work on his craft. I would not be surprised to see several offers float his way over the coming weeks after McCord performs in person at camps and proves to college coaches how legit he is.

Clean, consistent and forceful are three traits that stand out about McCord and his performance last Sunday at the #PRZTN Spring Showcase where he landed MVP honors for the linebackers and more importantly, the Tornadoes edge defender took his stock to another level. McCord was more than impressive last weekend as he is taller than I thought and way more athletic compared to what his film shows. This East Tennessee linebacker displayed excellent footwork during positional work then looked smooth when covering backs and tight ends during 1 on 1 competition. What this Tornadoes senior defender showed me was someone that could not only work the edge but McCord could excel at middle backer as well. He is highly valuable to someone’s defense based on his physicality, football smarts and versatility, so I would not be surprised to see this East Tennessee talent land those elusive offers very soon.

McCord was a major factor in the Tornadoes championship run last year and he is expected to produce yet again and if not more this coming Fall as one of the best pass rushers coming out of the East Tennessee region. Look past this guy’s height as McCord plays much bigger and it does not matter who you throw in front of him, the Tornadoes edge rusher knows how to get into the backfield. He has a unique feel for chasing after the ball and he uses every aspect of his body and game to do so. McCord has a broad upper body and powerful hands, which allows him to play physical with bigger linemen. He shows  a nice burst off the edge as well as the ability to bend low, forcing blockers to get out of position. McCord knows what he is doing when he steps on the field, which makes him a prime candidate for the captain role on the college gridiron. High academic FCS schools have already gotten involved but no offers as of yet, though I believe that changes this summer with extended work during camp season.

McCord closes quickly on relatively immobile quarterbacks. A consistently heavy hitter who flashes explosiveness and the ability to separate the ball. He also accelerates rapidly and has a great feel for angles. McCord isn’t huge, but McCord packs a pop.