McNeil told to 'be ready'

The Collins, Miss., center signed with Tennessee in February, in part, because there was an opportunity for immediate playing time in Knoxville. UT's top two centers, Jason Respert and Chuck Prugh, were seniors last year.

McNeil's chances for playing time increased drastically last week when senior Richie Gandy suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear during an intramural basketball game. Gandy, the projected starter at center before the injury, will be limited this fall if he is able to play at all.

UT offensive line coach Jimmy Ray Stephens called McNeil on Saturday after Gandy's diagnoses. The message was "Be ready".

"I talked to coach Stephens and he said 'Work out hard,' " McNeil said. "I'm going up there for spring break and try to figure out the routine and some of the line calls to get ready as soon as I can."

UT linemen Anthony Parker and David Ligon will get the first crack at impressing coaches when they line up at center in spring practice, which begins on March 10. Based off his recruiting reputation, McNeil would have more than an average freshman shot at starting this season. McNeil was widely considered the top center in the nation.

McNeil said his biggest concern is upper body strength. McNeil said his bench press has improved to 365 pounds, still far short of UT's standards. UT linemen regularly bench over 450 pounds. McNeil said he can squat 535 pounds.

McNeil said he is working out six days a week and has gained over 50 pounds since his junior year. He said he weighs 292 pounds and, thanks to a growth spurt, is nearly 6-foot-5 and is faster and quicker than he has ever been.

McNeil said he will attend both summer school sessions and that UT coaches have asked him to report to school weighing approximately 290-295 pounds.

The head start doesn't appease the anxiousness that comes with his pending transition.

"I definitely wish I could be there in spring training and compete for some playing time," McNeil said. "I'm going to have the opportunity but it just all depends on when I'll be ready. The only thing I can tell the people at Tennessee is I'm doing all I can to contribute (this year) and help them win a national championship."