Video
Coach Fulmer and coach Chavis talk about Alabama's performance this season and what they're doing to prepare for the game. Watch »
Mangled fingers, trick knees and a steady stream of bumps, bruises and welts all come with the job for an offensive lineman.
For Tennessee center Josh McNeil, it's all those things and more.
At 280 pounds, the Mississippi native routinely gives up 25 pounds to an opposing defensive tackle. Despite his size, McNeil has managed to shrug off all the bumps, bruises and off-season surgeries.
"I've always thought it's important to be a tough guy, per se," McNeil said, "and to make sure I go out there and get as much work as everybody else."
When No. 2 Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) arrives for Saturday's 7:45 p.m. kickoff (TV: ESPN) in Neyland Stadium, McNeil will start his 31st consecutive game for the Vols (3-4, 1-3).
Ramon Foster will start his 22nd consecutive game on UT's offensive line, as will fellow tackle Chris Scott.
But almost no one in the SEC has to do what McNeil does on weekly basis.
"Josh as a player has a whole different mindset than anybody else on the line," says guard Jacques McClendon, who weighs 320 and set UT's bench press record with a 645-pound lift over the summer. "He's a warrior. He's really hurting right now, and he's putting it all on the line for his team. He's not a selfish guy."
This week, however, he is a bit lucky.
Terrence Cody, Alabama's massive nose tackle, won't play because of a knee injury suffered in the Crimson Tide's victory over against Ole Miss last week.
Even Cody's replacement, 305-pound redshirt freshman Josh Chapman, acknowledged that McNeil and the rest of UT's line dodged a 365-pound bullet.
"I think any opponent would be glad to see me instead of Cody," said Chapman, one of the Hoover (Ala.) High School players featured on the MTV show Two-A-Days and one of Alabama's strongest players. "That's a whole big load."
It's nothing new for McNeil.
Over the course of his 30-game streak, he's faced off twice against former LSU tackle and 2007 Outland Trophy winner Glenn Dorsey and plenty of other future NFL players in his two-plus seasons as a starter.
And he's been smaller than nearly every one he's faced.
"Most of the time (centers) are the smallest linemen," McNeil said. "I guess being a little smaller, all the physical stuff takes a little bit more of a toll on you, but I think there's a lot of advantages to being quick just like there's a lot of advantages to being big, too."
Even at 280 pounds, McNeil is significantly heavier this year than he was as a sophomore in 2007.
McNeil started small last season after a preseason illness caused him to lose weight. The rigors of a 14-game season didn't help him add any pounds, and he finished the year weighing less than 270.
"I'm not going to say the exact weight," McNeil says now, "but I was a little bit lighter than that."
In terms of toughness, though, teammates and coaches say McNeil is a heavyweight. And a smart one at that.
"He's a tough guy," quarterback Nick Stephens said. "He's smart. He knows where to be and what angles to take, and that helps him a lot more at his size."
UT coach Phillip Fulmer called McNeil "a technician."
"He's a tough guy, certainly," Fulmer said. "He's really matured in the position. The pass protection, from a scheme standpoint, he could coach it."
Maybe that's because McNeil has missed only a handful of fall practices during his streak. That's not to say he hasn't been banged up along the way.
This year he missed all of spring practice - when coordinator Dave Clawson installed a new offense and line scheme - after having knee surgery in January. He had offseason knee surgery in 2007 as well, but an ankle injury forced him to miss part of spring drills.
After signing with UT in 2005 as the top-rated center prospect in the nation, he was forced to redshirt after undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. He bounced back in 2006 and earned Freshman All-SEC honors after taking over the starting job five games into the season.
Since then, he's been an iron man.
"Football is so important to him," Clawson said. "I really think that he's a great team guy, a very smart football player. There's times he may be giving up some pounds and some weight, but the kid's just a battler."
Drew Edwards covers University of Tennessee football. He may be reached at 865-342-6274.
Vanderbilt 93, Tennessee 79, Feb. 9…
Tennessee 69, South Carolina 57 men's…
Vanderbilt 65, Tennessee 47, Jan. 24…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 42
gohawks1 writes:
Rock n roll, Josh. This is the BIG game of the year.
givehim6 writes:
Thats good Josh, ok with Cody maybe you can open a running lane?
WorkinLikeHeck writes:
280 lbs? ROTFLMGFAO!!!!! Try 245.
ncvol writes:
Let's go Vols.... We would like to hear "Rocky Top" over and over. Make us proud and give it all you have. We would like to roll over the Roll Tide. Go Vols !!
Inquisitor writes:
Which one of these qualities makes him the designated un-tier of opponents shoelaces? Maybe it's the "technician" thing? Maybe he’s a shoelace technician?
iowavol writes:
You think??? Tell that to Scott Wells who broke the starting line up at 280 lbs for Green Bay and hasn't given up the startign position in 4 years. He's up to 303 lbs now, but he too was supposed to be too light and too short to play in the NFL. He typically grades out best rarely missing a block.
McNeil will be a player on Sundays - let's just hope its not next year but the year after.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Ol' Josh better bring his "A" game Saturday. They are good.
Might want to cut back on # of dates Friday night.
Maybe not.
jsm67vol writes:
Chapmans comments about us dodging a bullet with Cody out lead me to believe that he expects to introduce himself to the nation in grand fashion this weekend. Josh will still have his hands completely full with this guy. Hopefully his hands won't be full of crimson jersey. Go Vols!!!!!!!!
vol4good#206163 writes:
Are you guys sure your not a bunch of alabama fans, posing as Tennessee Fans? I mean lay off the guy, he has been a warrior for the Vols. I really understand the ire for Fullmer, but not the players. I would love to see tdtn say those things to McNeils face.
blitzshoot writes:
IT's time for the entire OL to do what they are suppose to do. Not able to move the ball against NI concerns me going into the Alabama game.
dford9#209809 writes:
Best of the best in UT Football, Hang tough~! And win the
batle in the trenches, and the rest will take care of its
self~! Good Luck against "Satan Saban". Lets Roll the Tide~!
dirtdobber1 writes:
Maybe we can find some way to use McNeil in the MUSTANG PACKAGE.
Timed_vol (Inactive) writes:
Sounds like the kid may be a coach some day. As for NFL, those guys have to be consistant on the snap (which Josh is), call the blocks (which he does), and do the job of blocking.
I'm no NFL scout, but I do know the NFL likes how UT preps players, as evidenced by the number of draft picks and feee agents signed each year (would be nice to have more draft picks, eh??)
orangeinbama writes:
Everyone speaks like Cody being gone is going to make a difference. They simply plug in a Justin Harrell caliber player. He only occupies 2 men instead of maybe 3. Being exposed to mullet nation on a daily basis I know that Cody is NOT an everydown player. He gets a few plays off and sometimes gets off the field for a couple of series each quarter. The kid "305-pound redshirt freshman Josh Chapman" has game experience. Those 2 linebackers at 250 pounds are a load, but lacking experience. The secondary is good. No way we can "man up" on Bummers defense. I see a long day for UT fans, & short day for the offense with a record "3 & out day". They should be healthy and not bruised up too bad cause they may only get about 30 plays. The crimson t#r@Ds will have to beat themselves. Of course when you recruit like Satan does, losing a impact player is less stressful than at TN. He doesnt have to move several position players around to get back up. He just plugs another in.
GoVol writes:
It's not about being tough, it's about driving your opponent off the line and dominating every single play. Try that for a change!
txsvol#372416 writes:
Josh will always have a special place in my memories. I watched him at a Alamo Heights football stadium practice before the 2005 US Army All American High School game, where bandy-legged, legendary Coach Jim Rackley (now featured in Texsan Heart Hospital ads locally--his predecessor, D. W. Rutledge, is being inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame tonight) of Judson High School (TX AAAAA Superpower, known by opponents as the University of Judson) kept saying, 'Nice block, Center!' Following practice, I stayed around, so that all our recruits would see that Tennessee fans were everywhere. (Crompton, Henderson, McCoy, Myers-White, and Richard--can't remember which were East and which were West, but I remember that Josh played for the West, training at AH, while Crompton, McCoy, et. al., were on the East team,training at Harlandale, on the opposite side of the city)and Michael Okur 'tried' centering for the East.) The last player out of the practice shed was a limping Josh McNeil, with no shirt on, in practice pants, with an ice bag to his injured shoulder. He told me joyfully that he was going to Tennessee, and I replied that I knew that, and I wanted to see him, and tell him we were proud to have him as a Volunteer. I've followed his career on the Hill with interest. Looks like he scores more off the field than he does on it! Go Vols! SAVol
fedupvol writes:
Have to agree with poster...long day for vols, no offense as usual and d gets buried by end of 3rd...reality of season is tough and there have been too many of those the past 7-8 years....
SemperVol writes:
txsvol: That's a great story. I like to hear stuff like that. He seems to have a good spirit about him. iowavol brings up a great point about Scott Wells. The pounds will continue to pack on, but it's the technique and heart that he seems to have a headstart on. txsvol, I hope you continue to go to those US Army All American High School games so recruits see vol fans everywhere.
NoMoreWooAfterGoodOleRockyTop writes:
Is McNeil the biggest bust at UT since G. Riggs?
tnbigg writes:
This line needs to just block and live up to their potential. No words can do anything...only action on the field.
More shockingly and I don't think "shockingly" even begins to measure the situation. I just got my Letterman's e-mail and there are Alabama tickets available for sale TODAY...the Wednesday before the third Saturday in October legendary rivalry. What the heck does that say?????? Momma mia!
tnbigg writes:
Odd choice of game pic for this column as well...CAL???
CAL????????
VolFanNC writes:
I wonder if this game will sell out? I am guessing not, apathy is setting in right now and sadly, I think most Vol fans expect TN to lose this one. I actually have Bammer friends that are going to this game and joking about how it was easier to get tix for this in Knoxville then getting them last year at bama.
Would like to see TN right the ship here, but the line would have to do what it hasn't done all year and block people...The QB will have ot hit > 50% of his passes....RB's will actually have to hit the holes and break some tackles....receivers will have to quit dropping balls...coaches will have to put the best players on the field and bench the payers that keep fumbling and dropppng balls...etc...etc...etc...
blitzshoot writes:
Sounds to me like a lot of people are not into watching
a slaughter. Also, Bama favored by 7. Something is not right. This game could get ugly, quick.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
I just love reading the brilliant comments on these articles.
tnpterodactyl writes:
Please! Save us all! Share one of your rambling...self indulgent...zen like comments so that we all can ponder the cerebral brilliance that you are able to tap into everytime you post! Please! I'll bet it usually takes most folks to think through your posts and finally comprehend the depth of them! ENLIGHTEN US! Quickly!
SomeGuy writes:
What does that say? It's obvious to all but the Univ. of Fulmer fans - Phil Fulmer has destroyed the UT football program. Win or lose, Fire Fulmer!
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Don't you have a Johnny Majors picture frame to polish or something?
tnpterodactyl writes:
Brilliant!!!!! Wow! And to think...it wasn't even "War & Peace" in length! Many kudos!
Quick question: Are you mad at Philly today...or all happy again? It sounds like the stuff you talked about with your mammy and your sister are rife throughout that odd gene pool.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
I was never "mad" at Phil. That's the difference between idiots like yourself and rational people like myself. I invest no emotion in the coach of UT football. I don't have kneejerk reactions, I don't jump on and off the bandwagon as YOU are famous for (see TnGeoff in 07). This year I expected to be an improvement over 07, which was in turn an improvement over 06, which was a great improvement over 05. Instead, we have a season on par with 05, so I have decided Phil should step down.
This does not mean I hate him, or that I'm going to insult him, or call him an idiot, or question his character. This means I think he should step aside and let new blood take over. I respectfully thank Phil Fulmer for all he has done at Tennessee and I hope he continues to play a role in Tennessee football. But I don't hate him. I'll reserve that for Bama fans and idiots like yourself.
And I managed to post this without a Youtube link, a 10 year old article, or a reference to Krispy Kreme. Amazing how one can do that eh?
tnpterodactyl writes:
A youtube link?
A ten year old article?
A reference to Krispy Kreme?
Maybe I used some type of encrypted message and didn't realize I had used those. I don't see them...
TnGeoff?
I didn't find him on here so I can't check whatever it is that you were referring to in '07.
As for your other claims about your "credible" posts...yeah right.
By the way...I thought I had seen TommyJack speak kindly of you a few times...and yet you throw him some of your moronic diggs as well. What gives amigo? You are weird as all get out! Oh yeah...are ya' still bringing your "girlfiend"? Did your mammy say it was okay this time? Better get your Pooh out...or better yet...Philly Teddy...awwww...how cute!
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Calm down Geoffy-poo. Calm down. Easy there fella, EASY now. Just let out all the negative energy, out with the bad, in with the good. There now, isn't that much better? If it helps, find your favorite Johnny Majors autographed picture, fold it in your arms, and lie down on a comfy sofa or bed. Dream of Johnny Geoff, dream of Johnny and hum a lullabye.
tnpterodactyl writes:
Okay Fred. Thank you. Once again...your brilliance is on clear and obvious exhibition...
Moaninglikeheck writes:
And certainly you are a shining beacon of unquestionable intellect. You have my unwavering awe.
Just keep humming those lullabyes and dreaming of Johnny. It will help keep everything balanced. Lord knows you need balance.
tnpterodactyl writes:
I don't know what kind of hallucinogenics your ibngesting...but why you keep talking about Geoff and Johnny Majors is beyond me...here's a little GoVolsXTRA secret (Shhh! Don't let anybody else know)...if you click on my screen name you can go back and look at my spots. I know you're oprobably pretty good at counting by now...and count how many posts I have posted to anybody named "Geoff" or to or about "Johnny Majors". Then maybe you can try some new approach to whatever your taunting agenda is...weirdo
cnalumni writes:
McNeil a tough guy? I think he has a shoe fettish
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Geoff, quit being a moron. Everyone knows your whiney writing style. The fact that you used the word "taunting" gives you away.
I've never seen a poozy whine about being "taunted" so much. Do you need a mydol?
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Hmmmmm - beer...
K Kreme, hmmmm, good with beer.
Lots of beer Sat afternoon afore Crimson Tide.
Bunker door open Saturday.
tnbigg writes:
You are really weird. Whatever you say Fred.
Moaninglikeheck writes:
Oops Geoff, forgot to switch back to your other screen name? Kinda gives it away donchya think? Twit.
invisiblekid writes:
Have you ever heard of Demonte Bolden? I thought so and I rest my case.
tnbigg writes:
If the person you were so bravely calling a puzzey above reads that post I'm sure he won't be kind to you. I was laughing reading his posts to you and thought the "Fred" was funny because you keep calling by a name...
Now...you want to talk smack to me too? Let me tell you something that I don't know if you will be able to comprehend...when you want to talk smack to folks...and the folks already know you are a non-athlete former lard azz...it seems kind of like a little tiddy baby because you know you can't really back up your bold taunting with anything except more bold taunting from the security of cyberspace. So say what you want. At the end of the day you know you've always been a loser and always will be. You think because you started working out you suddenly became a tough guy? You're still the same lard azz that couldn't compete in sports...and that will never change. Post your fantasies so you feel more like a man because that's what you're relegated to...a fantasy world where you are big and strong and tough...keep taunting all you want...because you and I both know you haven't the slightest bit of bravery in you except to talk tough in cyberspace. Now...that is what qualifies one as a puzzy...
tnbigg writes:
By the way...remember your old nickname...the blimp of Bount County...now go "take of your mamma" and maybe your sister can catch you two together...again...
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.