Kiffin: McNeil's career may be over

  • By Dave Hooker
  • Posted September 1, 2009 at 1:08 p.m. , updated September 1, 2009 at 1:17 p.m.
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Tennessee head coach Lane Kiffin said there is a good chance center Josh McNeil’s football career is over.

McNeil is exploring the possibility of another surgery on his injured left knee.

Kiffin made the remark at Tuesday’s media day. Other comments from Kiffin:

- He is unsure who will start at right offensive offensive tackle on Saturday against Western Kentucky. Former Maryville High School standout Aaron Douglas and Jerod Shaw are listed as co-starters.

- He expects to play nine defensive linemen in the course of Saturday’s game.

- He is unsure how he will distribute snaps for the running backs. Kiffin said much will depend on how the freshmen react in their first college game.

- He said he plans to play starting quarterback Jonathan Crompton the entire game except when receiver Nu’Keese Richardson is used.

Injury report: Running back Tauren Poole is recovering from a concussion. His immediate status is unknown. Tight end Ben Bartholomew is questionable for the game with a sore ankle.

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Comments » 46

Digger writes:

So sad. Hang in there, Josh!

golfballs03 writes:

We already knew that McNeil was possibly facing a career-ending injury. Are they saying that it is now likely?

murrayvol writes:

Say it ain't so Josh.

We appreciate all you've done and wish you well.

Agee_Vols_82 writes:

Keep your head up Josh...

Hacksaw57 writes:

From one Orange Blooded Mis'sippi boy to another, hang tight there, brother. I have watched you through High School there in Collins and through the battles in Neyland on Shield-Watkins Field and want to THANK YOU for the blood, sweat, tears and the joy you have given for ALL us true Big Orange fans.
In the end all we can say is- "You Have Given Your ALL For Tennessee!"

Thanks, Josh.

GreerVol22 writes:

you'll have the best surgeons the Tennessee lotery can buy! Seriously, get well soon.

doubledown writes:

Well we should see at least one play in the "NU-Gun" according to Kiffin. Pass that along to WKU.

FWBVol writes:

I hate to see Josh's career end this way. Hopefully the surgeries will fix the knee enough where he won't be in too much pain and will be able to lead a somewhat normal life enjoying his hunting and fishing and such.

Josh McNeil is one of many young men that have worn the Orange that understand what it really means to give his all, in the football sense for Tennessee.

Thanks for the memories!

notoriousBIGorange writes:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

marc_ash#231781 writes:

in response to gatorbait65:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

Hate to hear that, as someone else said keep your head up. He will be able to finish his education I hope. I know when one of our Fla. players was unable to continue his football playing Meyer said he whould make sure he was able to still finish without him having to pay. Hopefully the same can be done for McNeil I am sure CLK will take care of that.

I'm sure CLK will take care of Josh's education. It is a sad ending to a career, but not one that is all that surprising given some of the recent stories on him this past summer. Josh was really struggling a lot, and from what I've read was in a lot of pain.

Good luck to you sir...and best wishes.

TommyJack writes:

Tough news.

john1998 writes:

Re: Josh's education... he already has his degree.

johnlg00#206211 writes:

Tough news, for sure, but we can't say we didn't see this coming. I feel bad for a guy who gave all he had for the Big Orange. Along with everyone else, I offer my best wishes to Josh for every future success in life.

As for CLK's other remarks, who knew we even HAD nine D-linemen? None of them can complain that they never had a chance to show what they can do! Also, I don't think we'll see many snaps out of the Nu-Gun, but it surely will give future opponents something else to have to scheme against. Probably a good thing since most of the rest of our offense will probably be pretty vanilla right out of the gate.

jst4tdyvols writes:

prayers are with you

bigorangesob writes:

in response to notoriousBIGorange:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

this is a football forum not a political forum, I come here cause this is one of the few places to get away from politics so please don't f*** this up for me, Thanks for everything Big Josh hope life turns out great for you

BolivarBob writes:

He has given his all and then some. Very unfortunate.

golfballs03 writes:

in response to notoriousBIGorange:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

That's the truth

debaser11 writes:

No politics - PLEASE!

GOBIGO72 writes:

Thanks for being a Vol Josh.

Volin68 writes:

Good Luck Josh, Hang tight!

the10sevol writes:

thanks, Josh, hope your recovery goes well and swiftly. you have already accomplished things at uT that many of us dreamed of throughout childhood (i still dream about playing for the Vols, though usually it's after a margarita happy hour).
be well, young man!
GBO

marinevol writes:

in response to notoriousBIGorange:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

As I've said before, there is only one thing worse than interlopers coming on this site, and that is idiots coming on here to spew their political views. In this case, using a serious injury to a player like McNeil to give you a forum to make a stupid political comment exposes you as a loser.

utallvol writes:

in response to notoriousBIGorange:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Since when did football and politics work, 3 days till kickoff and this dumb butt wants to talk about stuff totally unrelated to football . Go cheer for another team like Vandy.

RespectTradition writes:

Hope to see you on a football field again, Josh. Best wishes for all your future endeavors, football or otherwise. Go Vols!

HallowedHill writes:

Our prayers are with you, brother.

notoriousBIGorange writes:

in response to utallvol:

Since when did football and politics work, 3 days till kickoff and this dumb butt wants to talk about stuff totally unrelated to football . Go cheer for another team like Vandy.

Uhhhhh, today is Tuesday so it's FOUR days til kickoff. And you're calling me dumb?? Grow a sense of humor moron.
Again, best wishes to McNeil and I hope he has a speedy recovery.

Millisa writes:

Get well soon Josh prayers are with you. God Is The Healer Isaiah 53:5

jcvet writes:

Thanks for coming to Tennessee and giving your all. You will always be a Volunteer.

cgbtn#206676 writes:

in response to gatorbait65:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

Hate to hear that, as someone else said keep your head up. He will be able to finish his education I hope. I know when one of our Fla. players was unable to continue his football playing Meyer said he whould make sure he was able to still finish without him having to pay. Hopefully the same can be done for McNeil I am sure CLK will take care of that.

It's called a medical red shirt, and Meyer did exactly the same thing every caoach in the country does for players with career ending injuries.

pdhuff#552644 writes:

Thanks, big Volunteer.

May things turn out fine.

govols082859#1369959 writes:

in response to gatorbait65:

This comment may be inappropriate. Reveal this comment.

Hate to hear that, as someone else said keep your head up. He will be able to finish his education I hope. I know when one of our Fla. players was unable to continue his football playing Meyer said he whould make sure he was able to still finish without him having to pay. Hopefully the same can be done for McNeil I am sure CLK will take care of that.

Thanks Gator for saying something nice about one of our boys. I know we go at it here, but we are still talking about somebody's "youngun".

VOLstuckINky writes:

in response to debaser11:

No politics - PLEASE!

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

CaliVol2009 writes:

in response to VOLstuckINky:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

NO high school drop outs please....if you can not spell liberal correctly then keep your mouth closed.

bleuvol writes:

in response to CaliVol2009:

NO high school drop outs please....if you can not spell liberal correctly then keep your mouth closed.

hilarious. priceless, and very fitting. that is all.

GerryOP writes:

Thanks for being a Vol! God bless and be well.

Volnauburn writes:

Hate to hear that! Everything happens for a reason my friend, God has a purpose for you so keep your head up. Job well done! GBO

mcdevitt#229126 writes:

Good Luck!! Get Well Soon!! Thanks for all you have given the University and Orange Nation. Young men like yourself are few and far between. You are a excellent role model for the young guys coming up. Find a great career and do it as well as you have played football!!

Give_Him_6_Holloway writes:

It didn't say his career was over. It said Kiffen mentioned it is likely over and that McNeil is considering another surgery. It ain't over until it's over when it comes to your passion. Let's wait and see.

crimsonviper writes:

Hate to read this kind of thing.Wish him the best.

doubledown writes:

Mcneil is a Fulmer's boy, and has always been one. This trasistion to Kiffin did not go well with him. My hope is he rehab's and gets back there for a 6th year on a redshirt, but I heard he was borderline this spring with the new staff on size/weight and might not do it. I hope he does personally.

FreeTDTN writes:

Tough loss for the Vol warrior. Hang in there Josh.

pammyvol1000 writes:

I wish him all the luck in the world!!

GainesvilleVol1 writes:

Hey Josh, first things first, get well! You gave you all and more. We all know you've been dealing with injurys and could have called it quits a long time ago, and no one could have blamed you. Hopefully, everyone on this team will see how you put your heart, and soul, and finally flesh into this program. You are the true defination of a warrior, good luck to you in whatever you decide for your future. Many a bone have washed awhite on Shield Watkins Field. Some of those bones belong to us.

GO VOLS AND STRAIGHT FOWARD!!

xvolx writes:

your health is more important. get your degree and go on with your life. thanks for the years you gave.

ETNTigerFan writes:

Gotta feel for the guy. Senior year, that's too bad.

tom.johnson59#1360512 writes:

JOSH
THE # 50 WILL BE MISSED ON THE
LINE BUT YOU WILL BE MISSED AND ALWAYS
BE A VOLUNTEER IN MY BOOK. GOD BLESS

GO VOLS

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