Who's better blocker? McNeils settle it in the yard

McNeil's younger brother is Josh McNeil, a freshman center who arrived in Knoxville in June after signing with UT in February. Chris McNeil is a senior center at Mississippi State.

"When I go home, we'll get out in the yard and mess around," Chris McNeil said during SEC football media days on Thursday. "He always says he's a better lineman than me. He always says he can block better than me, so we'll get out there and wrestle around."

Family ties kept the Bulldogs in the hunt for Josh McNeil until he committed to UT in January. He repeatedly cited playing with his brother and, eventually, replacing him, as reasons to pursue Mississippi State. Neither brother let emotions stand in the way.

"That would have definitely been something that I would have enjoyed; but, like I told him, he's his own man and he has to make his own decisions," Chris McNeil said.

UT coaches hope their McNeil develops quicker than his older brother. Chris McNeil has started 15 games for Mississippi State, 11 last season.

UT needs Josh McNeil now, but that may be asking a bit much. Since Phillip Fulmer became coach at UT in 1992, only eight offensive linemen have started a game as a freshman.

Junior Arron Sears, a projected starter this season, started one game in 2003, his freshman year.

Michael Munoz started 12 games as a freshman in 2000. Also in 2000, Scott Wells started 10 games as a redshirt freshman.

Anthony Herrera started nine games in 2000, his first year on the field after failing to qualify in 1999. Cosey Coleman started six games as a freshman in 1997.

Spencer Riley started six games as a redshirt freshman in 1996. Chad Clifton started nine games as a freshman in 1996.

The first freshman starter under Fulmer was Jeff Smith, who started 12 games in 1992.

This season, junior David Ligon will likely get the first shot to start at center. Senior Cody Douglas is also a possibility if UT's coaches decide to move him from right guard.

Senior Richie Gandy was expected to be the starter for 2005, but he suffered a knee injury in February during an intramural basketball game. Gandy's status is uncertain but trainers are optimistic that he will be ready by the first month of the season.

That leaves Josh McNeil who has spent the off-season studying UT's offense and trying to become stronger and quicker. Chris McNeil believes his brother is ready to play.

"If he lives up to the hype, that's what he's sent to do," Chris McNeil said of the nation's highest rated high school center in 2005.

"I know, being up here for five years, it's hard for a freshman to play. If he's ready to play, then he's ready to play. The coaches will make the right decision."

Whether Josh McNeil's time comes this fall or not, he can lean on the experiences in Collins, Miss., a one stoplight town where two brothers with strong southern drawls honed their skills.

"Me and him have a lot of the same playing characteristics," Chris McNeil said. "We both have an aggressive nature. At his age, he's very athletic. I guess he's probably got more athleticism at the age of 18 than I did. It's just how much you put into it in college. I hope the best for him. I hope he has just as successful career as I have at Mississippi State."

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.