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Tennessee center Josh McNeil watch his teammates practice at Haslam field on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009.
Tennessee center Josh McNeil's career is at a crossroad. Doctors will decide where he goes next.
Head football coach Lane Kiffin said McNeil will undergo an arthroscopic procedure this morning to determine the extent of his left knee injury.
"That's anywhere from three weeks to his career being done," Kiffin said. "I don't know any more than that right now except he won't be with us for awhile."
An obviously sullen McNeil watched practice from the sideline Tuesday. He wasn't available for interviews as per UT's policy with injured players.
McNeil's father, David McNeil, said his son's surgery is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. David McNeil said the best report from the procedure would simply be torn cartilage, even though his son has very little of the cushioning tissue remaining. A fracture is a much greater fear.
David McNeil said the injury occurred last week when another player rolled up on his son's left leg.
"He knew that something happened then," the elder McNeil said. "He thought he broke it."
The senior from Collins, Miss., tried to practice sparingly last week but found the pain was too much. The realization came after Saturday's scrimmage, the last full contact practice of preseason camp.
"He knew how important the one was Saturday," David McNeil said of the scrimmage.
Josh McNeil took over for Cody Sullins, who started the scrimmage, in the second half. Just three plays in, McNeil re-injured the knee, yet finished the scrimmage.
An MRI, which would typically provide an accurate diagnosis, isn't an option. Josh McNeil's knees are already too badly damaged for the test, Kiffin and David McNeil said.
"I don't think a lot of people understand how bad his knee actually is," David McNeil said.
The timing of McNeil's latest injury is almost as painful as the injury itself.
After overcoming shoulder injuries as an underclassman, off-field issues and admitted resentment towards Kiffin's competition-first, seniority-never approach to open competition, McNeil seemed to have come of age.
McNeil had one of his best off-season showings in the weight room, adding 15 pounds of muscle to his normally undersized frame.
"He's worked so hard to get ready for this year," David McNeil lamented.
Josh McNeil certainly seemed to have overcome the ill feelings he admitted having with the ongoing competition with Sullins, a former walk-on. As preseason camp began, McNeil said the competition certainly made him better.
David McNeil said his son's latest injury had nothing to do with pushing himself too hard for the sake of competition.
"He's going to push himself hard either way," David McNeil said. "This is his last season. He pushed himself trying to be the very best he could be for his senior year."
David McNeil said his son also has a minor wrist injury but that it isn't an issue. The left knee is what could cut his once-promising career woefully short.
"You'll have to drag him off the field," David McNeil said of his son, who was ranked the No. 1 center prospect in the nation in 2005. "People can question his heart, but nobody has a bigger heart than him."
David McNeil said no one knows what his family has endured over the course of his son's injury-plagued career, a career in which Josh McNeil started 35 games. Now David McNeil's greater concern is for his son, who may be forced to give up a huge part of his life.
"This is something he's been doing since the fourth grade," David McNeil said. "He didn't expect this to happen. You can only imagine his psyche."
Guard Vladimir Richard said he is very sad for his fallen teammate but believes in Sullins.
"For me, they've been battling all camp," Richard said. "I've been next to Cody with the starting group through practices and scrimmages. I'm comfortable with Cody. He's been doing his thing all camp."
Richard described the battle between McNeil and Sullins during preseason camps as been "real close".
"I'm very confident that he's going to go out there and get the job done," Richard said of Sullins.
Kiffin wants to believe, but admits there's reason for fear.
"From what we've seen, it's very high," Kiffin said when asked of his confidence in Sullins. "He's never really played so there's always a fear of that. The guy all of a sudden is the starting center after playing in two blowouts in his whole career.
"There's always a concern there. But what he's done for us, he's done really well. We'll go with him and see how far he can take us."
All the while, the McNeils are curious how far their son's left knee can take him. They will wait for doctors to decide.
© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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Comments » 56
nikesportsfan writes:
this blows, just hope for a few weeks
dvhill100 writes:
Hate it when any young man gets injured and has to go through the pain and rehab of injuries. Wish him the very best and a speedy recovery.
Millisa writes:
Get Well Soon Josh!!!
JackDaniels writes:
Good luck Josh. The Vol Nation is pulling for you.
Volsnfl writes:
Went thru it too,Looking to see you back big guy,good luck,we'll miss ya .GO VOLS.
jst4tdyvols writes:
Good luck warrior,May GOD bless you with a speedy recovery.
FreeTDTN writes:
Tough blow. The young man has worked his butt off and now this. Tough blow for the Vols too.
LaneTrain writes:
Here's hoping for minimum damage and he's back in three weeks! Btw, why did they let him practice on it for 9 days after he got hurt?
snod51 writes:
Can't he get a medical redshirt? or has he used one already?
darandkat writes:
Best wishes Josh and get well soon!
Regulator writes:
He has used a Medical Redshirt once already. He could still apply for an additional year due to hardship, such as Austin Rogers is doing, which may or may not be granted. My reading between the lines tells me that his knee, due to repetitive injury, may be to the point that he can no longer play football. Let's all hope for the best as McNeil has busted his a-- and bought into the new regime, which is sometimes hard for upperclassmen to do. He deserves to go out in style and on his terms.
lomas98 writes:
What kind of knee injury does he have? ACL, MCL, dislocated kneecap??? I don't know if I have ever seen an injury ranging from 3 weeks to career ending.
give_him_6 writes:
Good Luck Josh. There is life after football man. Especially being able to walk and play with your kids. I hope it's not as bad as it might be big man.
Go Vols
Regulator writes:
Also, just to pile on the bad news, the big OL from Wilmington, NC, (Leifholt is his name??) has dropped UT from his list. He's down to UNC, LSU, and USC. I'd lean him towards UNC, previous lineman from same high school committed there within the last couple of years.
eldr5#344719 writes:
Sounds like the surgery will be exploratory. Kiffin said that they can't figure out the extent of the damage from the MRI because there is so much previous damage and scar tissue. Here's hoping that everything works out whether it means that Josh is back in a few weeks or the NCAA gives him a sixth year of eligibility and he can start at center next year.
Lostvolinhighweeds writes:
Good luck and get well soon young man.
volz4evr writes:
Josh, I will be looking for you at KOC, as I am a frequent patient (broken leg this time). You are a fine young man & a credit to the University of Tennessee. God bless & I hope this is not a career ending injury. At least it's not the end of the rest of your life.
P.S. The docs at KOC are the greatest on the planet!!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Hang in there, young man.
You'll make it.
Whiskey_Wizard writes:
So...if he sits out this year (medical redshirts), can he play next year? What are the rules? We loose several linemen after this year to graduation. If McNeil can come back next year, he's certain to play center or guard. This may be a blessing in disguise, especially if we loose him all year.
volz4evr writes:
A blessing in disguise??? A fine young man faces the possibility of never playing again, and you say that? That's just wrong!
T4TN writes:
Not good, I hate to hear that. Hang in there Josh, keep your chin up, or like the old captain used to say "Keep your head on a swivel men"
allvol32 writes:
Classy post dude...a potentially career ending injury to a 5th year senior who's given his all for The University of Tennessee vs. some meaningless and worthless tidbit of what's intended to be negative recruiting information. Whether ye be 'loper or ye just be insensitive this post really is inappropriate.
Now back on topic - I truly hate this for Josh and his family. He's been a true warrior for UT. I'll be praying along with all football fans for the best outcome to the surgery.
ncvol17 writes:
all Vols are hoping for the best and wishing this young man a speedy recovery....a true Vol...
VOL1SG writes:
Get well soon. The Vol Nation is pulling for you. You have been a beast, now take a deserved rest, then recover, and continue to kick butt in all that you do. God Bless you for a speedy recovery.
GO VOLS!!!
ArealVolsFan writes:
It sounds like this is going to be the kind of thing where he either is okay in a few weeks, or he is done with football forever. Doesn't sound like a redshirt situation. I'm hoping for a quick return, but more importantly that he is just healthy and painfree.
Volunteer writes:
O.K. Maybe im slow but something just doesnt add up for me here. Josh started like 37 games straight for us...when did he use a medical redshirt? He has either played through some pain the last 37 games or his knee injury is worse than we know. Either way, good luck to you Josh...speedy recovery to a great Volunteer!
chad_t31 writes:
I can't even begin to fathom what mcneil must be going through. I've read some classy posts on here and I'm not going to add or repeat anything other than I hope that all goes well and if this is a career-ender, I pray that he'll get to run through the "T" on senior day. Good luck josh, vol nation is behind you.
Bigger_Al writes:
God bless and God speed, Josh. I love what you did and gave for the team, and I hope you can come back soon.
Plasticman writes:
Our worst fear is starting to happen with this team. Injuries are mounting on a team with little or no depth. Our WR's are depleted, RB's is down to 3 until BB gets the o.k. from the NCAA, if we have even 1 injury on the Def. Line, we are in trouble. Best of luck to Josh and let's hope and pray that the surgery provides good news for him.
TSNSD4UT writes:
Prayers for you Josh do whats best for your self and your future if you have to choose .
VolWoman writes:
Dave, I'm not so sure I would use the word sullen. Crestfallen or depressed maybe.
My prayers are with you Josh. You will be missed even if only a few weeks.
BillsBrother writes:
The 3 weeks to career ending timeline is because they have not been able to determine what is causing the pain.
So, the arthroscopic surgery is to determine the type of injury. Just having this type of surgery will sideline him for three weeks even if they go in there and look around and say, "everything is OK".
Once the doc's get in and look around they can determine what is causing the pain and how extensive any corrective procedure might be.
chad_t31 writes:
What was josh's dad's name again? Good grief.
tom.johnson59#1360512 writes:
JOSH
GOOD LUCK AND GET WELL SOON.
THE VOLS AND THE BIG ORANGE FANS WILL MISS
YOU.
GO VOLS
OrangeUTnatioN writes:
This is really disappointing. Not just his talent, but his leadership and heart will be missed on the field and in the locker room. However, Sullins is an absolute beast and will be just fine. He is bigger and a much better run blocker than McNeil. Given our lack of depth at QB and WR, and our stable of running backs, this really could be, as Whiskey_Wizard said, a "blessing in disguise"
Kravmaga writes:
Not sure where you heard that Regulator, but I have it from the most reliable source as of this morning that he will be in town for the Georgia game. TJ also had 16 pancake blocks in his football game this week....
the10sevol writes:
if josh never plays another down of football, he has already lived an incredible legacy. 35 consecutive starts in the sec as an o-lineman? outstanding. and wearing Orange? priceless.
personally, i want him back asap to help this team, because of the leadership he brings. the look on his face in the pic spoke volumes.
GBO
Regulator writes:
If you will notice, I addressed my concerns for Josh's wellbeing and my understanding of his injury situation. Yes, I realize that recruiting gossip doesn't fit with this article, but given the bad news of Josh's season/career potentially being over, bad recruiting news follows the mood of the article. Get a grip, else you may fall off of your high horse.
Regulator writes:
I never mentioned that he would or would not be taking any visits to any school, official or otherwise. I believe the website is wral.com. His high school coach was quoted in the article, basically confirming the final three. Of course, nothing is official until the pen meets the paper.
DenmarkVol writes:
This guy has been through so much with this football team -- not just the injuries but the losses, change of OCs, etc. It would be a crying shame for his career to end like this.
We wish you the best, Josh, no matter how this turns out. You'll always be a Vol.
And everything happens for a reason.
FreeTDTN writes:
Hang in there big guy! All of Vol Nation is pulling for you.
Joevolsxtra writes:
I had dinner at Shoney's with McNeil and his family after a game a couple of years ago. He's nothing but class. I wish him the best but, in the world of football, let the best man win. If Sullins is tearing it up that's who I want in the middle. Whether he's a freshman or a senior, let the best man win.
Bloodrunzorange writes:
Good luck Josh! Get well soon! Go Vols!
GainesvilleVol1 writes:
Godspeed in your recovery. We want you back in uniform as bad as you do!
GO VOLS!!
bspurlingcac#225603 writes:
That was very funny. I had to look over the artical several times. I think it is David.
Go4Two writes:
Just finished watching the 2007 KY game. I love that game because it stuck a fork in Georiga. Looking back 2007 may have been one of Coach Fulmers best coaching jobs. We had 3 freshman starting in the secondary.
VOLstuckINky writes:
And 7 wins now looks more like 6 wins. Optimism fades to reality before the first kickoff.
Hope the best for McNiel.
Chartervol writes:
Let's concentrate on the guys in orange shirts, on the Hill, right now, and speculate on what some high school kid is going to do some other time.
Some recruiting freaks would see a headline saying "World to End Tomorrow" and think that blows because now that kid from East Weedpatch, Oklahoma won't get to take his official visit. . .
murrayvol writes:
And you're licking your toes.....again.
GOBIGO72 writes:
So is my cat. He just spreads his hind legs like a pair a scissors and licks away.
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