- C Josh McNeil (GoVolsXtra audio)
- OL Cody Pope(GoVolsXtra audio)
- Running backs coach Eddie Gran (GoVolsXtra audio)
- LB Nick Reveiz(GoVolsXtra audio)
- RB David Oku (GoVolsXtra audio)
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Reports of Josh McNeil’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
The Tennessee center was back on the practice field Wednesday just two weeks after exploratory surgery revealed damage in his left knee that coach Lane Kiffin previously said could end the senior’s football career.
During Wednesday’s practice, McNeil did some hitting — mostly against blocking sleds — and some live pass set drills.
“It felt really good,” McNeil said of his bum left knee. “so I’ll be back at practice tomorrow doing everything.”
Kiffin said the Vols will be cautious with McNeil.
“Josh did some stuff today over there on the sleds,” Kiffin said. “He’s come back a lot quicker than anticipated. But we’ll see how he responds. He’ll be sore tomorrow. We’ll continue to bring him along gradually. Want to make sure we don’t re-injure it.”
Gerald Jones also practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, meaning the experienced receiver will likely be available to play on Saturday against UCLA (TV: ESPN, 4 p.m.).
“He would be a guy that could play without even practicing,” Kiffin said.
Jones was originally thought to be out until later this month after suffering a high ankle sprain in preseason camp.
Kiffin said the on-field competition helps empty the training room.
“It gets rid of superstar mentality and superstar status,” he said. “When you know that if you sit out, there’s a good chance someone takes your spot, I promise you get healthy faster.
“A lot of getting healthy is in your mind.”
Kiffin mentioned receiver Denarius Moore as a prime example. Moore was expected to miss at least the first two games as he recovered from off-season surgery to repair a broken bone in his foot. Instead, Moore played last week in the season opener against Western Kentucky.
Kiffin said UT’s staff doesn’t tell players how long they’ll be out; they push them to return as soon as possible.
McNeil, who hopes to be available against UCLA but will likely require longer to recover, could prove valuable. His replacement, Cody Sullins, was banged up on Wednesday. That led to backup Cody Pope getting practice snaps at left guard, replacing senior Jacques McClendon who slid to center.
McNeil started 35 consecutive games at center before his injury.
Pope couldn’t even shake hands with reporters following practice after suffering a hand injury against Western Kentucky game.
“I don’t even care about X-raying it right now,” the sophomore said. “It’s not a big deal. It’s just a jammed finger or something.”
McNeil’s injury is much more serious. He’ll undergo surgery whenever he finally decides to hang up his cleats. McNeil will have his meniscus replaced and a bone graph to undo the damage that football has done.
“I’m bone on bone,” McNeil said referring to his left knee joint, which is void of tissue to cushion between the upper and lower leg. “I’ve worn a hole in there. Those are two really, really major surgeries.”
The rehabilitation, McNeil said, will take months just to walk normally and lead a normal life. He admitted that he believed his career was done when he received the initial diagnosis earlier this month.
“In my head I was thinking maybe it would be better to have this surgery just to move on with my life,” he said.
McNeil changed his mind after he missed time with his teammates, the Vol Walk and Saturday’s 63-7 rout of Western Kentucky.
“That’s all it took,” McNeil said. “I set my mind to where I have to come back.”
McNeil said he’s not surprised that he’s returned before doctors predicted. After undergoing a handful of surgeries during his UT career, he’s seen his body repeatedly heal quickly.
McNeil will still have to prove he can endure the pain that is sure to come as he fights his way back onto the field. That, however, doesn’t compare with the emotional anguish he was dealing with when he thought football was no longer a part of his life.
“You couldn’t get any lower,” he said. “You couldn’t.”
Austin Ward contributed to this report.
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Comments » 56
Hardrocknox writes:
wow thats amazing , didn't kiffin say he probably will never play again? good luck Josh we need ya.
utvolz#637682 writes:
One tough kid. Do what you can Josh. That's all anyone can ask. GO VOLS!
daniellovesutfootball writes:
This is good news! Get well soon Josh!
golfballs03 writes:
would it be better if he goes ahead and has his meniscus replaced, as well as the bone graft, rehab for the next year and return for a 6th year?
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
a lot of heart... and I can't say that I blame him... because part of me says "I hope he doesn't regret this" but the other part of me says there's a bigger chance of regret when you live life wondering if you could have done it.
AceVentura writes:
Good question, and I really don't have the answer. I was wondering the same thing.
VolunteerLifer writes:
This guy is an hombre.
Whether he actually ever plays again or has to play at less than 100% is important to us and him and the team, but pales when considering his desire and determination to try not to miss his senior season. Hopefully, doctors and coaches are going to clear him to practice and/or play lest he do further, or more permanent, damage to the knee. I trust both he and they are looking out for that in any future scenario.
Regardless of all that, the size of the heart in this kid is the most impressive thing. From what I read about him and his injury, I would bet he is in tremendous pain when he practices or plays. That he would rather endure that pain than miss his senior season means he is one tough customer. Especially since he probably knows that with that knee of his, he'll likely not be the starter, but instead will be in a back-up role.
remarkable.
Major_Magilicutty writes:
We should all be wondering the same thing. I think part of the reason Kiffin went ahead and said career ending was so that he could put the team's center responsibilities squarely on Sullins.
Interesting turn of events, no doubt.
DaveVol writes:
A 100% Cody, my understanding is that he was ahead of Josh in fall camp.
tngivem6 writes:
He may never play again after this season, but as a true orange blooded senior, he will go out with pride.
Get well Josh
xvolx writes:
don't do is Josh. I'm 63 yrs. old and facing knee replacement because I didn't know when to give it up. There are more important things in life than football.
BerryFan_14 writes:
This is amazing!!! We've got some heart on this football team. This is a special group that LOVES playin for CLK!!! GO VOLS!!!!!
Hounddog writes:
Focus. Beat UCLA
Let's play football. Hounddog.
DennisVols writes:
Since Josh has already had a redshirt year there is no guarantee that the NCAA would grant him a 6th year. It has happened in the past but other have also beed denied.
You would think for the best interest of the kid that the NCAA would do this but who knows how they think anyway.
Keeping it Real
Go Vols!!!
FWBVol writes:
I understand where you are coming from, there are a lot of questions concerning McNeil's knees and a healthy Cody Sullins would seem to be, at least to most of us, the logical choice. But when has football ever followed logical convention?
I think McNeil's return is a good thing no matter how you look at it. For one, Lane Kiffin has made it clear that the best players will play and if McNeil gets to the point where he is good enough to beat out Sullins that means we will be a better team.
If McNeil comes back and can only give Cody an occasional break we become better because it gives us depth at center with an experienced backup.
If Sullins gives us the best chance to win I hope he's on the field. If McNeil is that guy, I'm all for him being on the field.
I hope Josh comes back and has a chance to play because the kid has a heart as big as Neyland Stadium and he deserves to play if is that's what he wants and his body allows it.
VolinCalif writes:
You have it right young-one. I'd love to see him play again but not if he is going to mangle his body. There is a time when you must use your head. There is no life or death for him and this game so he should just let it be.
KiFFiNOMiCS writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Volsnfl writes:
Tn.,Will>take>care.of.him.the.rest.of.his.life,if.his.career.is.over.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
According to an article to which another poster provided a link, that was what Josh's SURGEON said. Josh says he has learned that he can't live without football as long as there is the slightest chance he can play again. That's some serious "want-to" right there! I hope it works out for him, but what an example to his team-mates!
jinbenton writes:
As amazing as it seems, this kid is hell bent on wearing the orange and white again. I applaude his desire and heart, but my advice would be, if your knee isn't strong enough, don't do it. He can be an inspiration to the rest of the team simply by being suited up on the sideline, ready to give his all for Tennessee.
Volsnfl writes:
AMAN!!!!!
ItIsMeToo writes:
"don't do is Josh. I'm 63 yrs. old and facing knee replacement because I didn't know when to give it up. There are more important things in life than football."
Totally agree with ya, xvolx. I truly commend him for his effort and desire. But sadly, perhaps some things weren't meant to be. He's got a lot of life left. Hate for him to walk in pain the nest 50 years. And I hope people are telling him this...
HallowedHill writes:
Josh is as tough as they come.
http://ncaafootball.fanhouse.com/2009...
johnlg00#206211 writes:
I'm sure lots of us would agree with that, but you know how some kids are. He said in that article I mentioned above that he would deal with that situation when he got to it. In any case, anyone would have to say that he has the heart of a champion!
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Yeah, that's the article. Anybody who hasn't read it yet should do so NOW!
Volsnfl writes:
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,WHAT,A,GUY
Volsnfl writes:
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,WHAT,A,MAN
BillsBrother writes:
Meniscus does not get replaced. It tears or frays and the usual surgical option is to remove the damaged portion or the entire meniscus. Rehab is not nearly the same as for a ligament such as an ACL.
If he comes back on bad (or less) meniscus he is one tough hombre - and he will pay the price in his later years.
allvol32 writes:
Josh McNeil - you're the best...I'm really at a loss for words as to how to describe what a fine person you are.
What you've gone through and what you continue to go through to do what your heart desires is an absolute inspiration to so many and you probably don't even realize it but you are.
I knew that Josh had had some medical issues but I had no idea as the extent of what he's endured until I read this article.
We're so proud of you Josh
Ironcity writes:
I have a feeling Josh past that bridge a wow ago. Whether he plays or not, his knees are shot for the rest of his life. Good luck with all of your future endeavors.
volgrog#210164 writes:
"But then I start thinking it's 4th-and-1 against Alabama and I'm the center and we have to have a first down or the game is over and it all comes down to that one play. Everything. And people ask, is it worth it? 'That's a dumb question. You damn right it's worth it.'" - Josh McNeil
Pretty much says it all. I hope he gets his chance. Great MAN!
Major_Magilicutty writes:
Get a new keyboard my man...a spacebar is vital.
ItIsMeToo writes:
Heart of a champion indeed, sir. With whatever decision he makes, all the best.
And this guy's Orange For Life. Case closed...
rjrich#235198 writes:
Greetings all.
Josh is a young man who really means it when he touches the sign that says "I will give my all for Tennessee Today".
As a parent of three young athletes who fought against injuries, I understand what he is going through. Josh has my support and respect. None of us know what pain he endures, but we know he is a VOL!
if you want to know HIS feelings, remember what our favorite writer says....Bones Never Lie!
Go Josh.
Go Vols!
GahLee writes:
Indeed...Sullins doesn't have as good a reputation...but who cares...if you can play, you can play...no need for him to risk limping his whole life just to play...isn't worth it.
GahLee writes:
I'm 25 now, when I was 19, I was hit by a drunk driver head on...never seen it coming...shattered my knee-cap, tore ligaments and all the cartilage in my right knee...hurts every single day...eventually will need to be replaced...it's not worth it...there is life after football.
vol4good#206163 writes:
we will rest when we Die! Tell em Josh McNeil is coming! Tell em, he's bringing HELL with him, you tell em He'S BRINGING HELL WITH HIM!!!!
FWBVol writes:
I'm sorry about your misfortune with the drunk driver. My knees are OK, but I had to have two neck surgeries in 2003 some 28 years after I finished playing high school ball. I took a blow to my neck my senior year and ignored it. I'm 51 now and knowing what I know, I wouldn't change a thing.
I know the good Lord was looking out for me because I had three fractured vertebra that ended up almost crushing my spinal chord. I was only a backup on my high school team, but that experience was one of the greatest of my life.
I guess athlete has to decide the price they are willing to pay to play the game they love.
Yes, there is life after football, baseball or any other sport, but I can't blame a kid for wanting to play as long as he can handle the pain.
RockinTop writes:
“It gets rid of superstar mentality and superstar status,” he said. “When you know that if you sit out, there’s a good chance someone takes your spot, I promise you get healthy faster.
“A lot of getting healthy is in your mind.”
Dang I love these coaches!! That comment explains the chastising of Warren in public that many fans whined about....but he got over his ailment quick too! These guys are good!
If I may borrow it "Fear The Kiffin"......kind of adds to the meaning.
Go Big Orange and Fear The Kiffin
Cldvols1 writes:
Well said BB! You can look at all the external variables but you can't question a man's heart or desire. Best of luck to ya Josh and God bless in whichever path you choose! Go Vols!!!
GahLee writes:
Well, I guess I look at it as a father of 2 young boys...it would break my heart if I couldn't go into my backyard and play ball with my boys because of my health...I am inspired by his passion for football, but he should consider redirecting that same passion towards life in general...the doctors said he couldn't hurt it anymore but still, at some point you gotta know when to quit...I think that he would be better served as a motivator than a center.
If I were the coach I would let him give the pre-game speech in The Swamp...those boys would be ready to run through a wall.
jkevingoss writes:
Josh follow your HEART and your dreams for it will help you persevere in the other things that come along in life after you hang up your cleats.I will be fifty soon and I tore my knee up in 1980 playing basketball for the base I was stationed at in Germany. The surgery they do today is a miracle compaired to back thin.The doctors told me that basically I could go home for good but I followed my dream to become a professional photographer in the AIR FORCE and after countless missions for 13 years in the AIR FORCE and 13 more years doing the same thing working for the department of defense and the last 5 years working in support of the troops as defense contractor at Khandahar Air Base in Afghanistan I am happy to say I am glad that I followed my dream.Yes I am paying my dues as far as my knee is concerned I am bone to bone with nothing left inside and I am too young to have a total knee replacement. I am back home now going threw rehab for surgery that cleaned out whatever was left and to heal from micro fractures in my knee but you bet your last dollar that when I am able I will be returning to support the men and women of ourr armed forces.I commend you for your efforts and I do hope you follow your heart for it will get you threw those tough times on the field and life. VOL FAN IN AFGHANI LAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GahLee writes:
Some really good posts on this story...hope no one misinterprets what I have said in my prior posts...if it's what he wants to do, it's his life to live...I just would hate to see him leave his heart out on the field, laying next to his knee...Gotta appreciate the love he has though.
give_him_6 writes:
Bone on bone...and in the trenches as well with all that stress on it. You are one tough S O B. Welcome back big man!!! You truly are giving your all for Tennessee
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Hang in their, big fellow. True warrior.
Life is tough and so is this game we all love.
Like Mother Nature, it can be savage when dealing out lumps.
Joevolsxtra writes:
McNeil changed his mind after he missed time with his teammates, the Vol Walk and Saturday’s 63-7 rout of Western Kentucky.
Teammates, the vol walk, and routs are nice but they don't even come close to playing and running with your kids. Football usually ends a lot sooner than life does.
johnlg00#206211 writes:
Gotta say I had a LITTLE tinge of concern when CLK was quoted as saying that this staff will "push them to return as soon as possible." Yes, there is a difference between playing hurt and playing injured, but I hope the coaching staff is consulting honestly with the training/medical staff in determining which applies in each individual case. As the NcNeil story shows, lots of kids are ALREADY inclined to push the envelope to get back on the field. I surely don't want guys to feel compelled to get back on the field if there is a strong chance they could injure themselves worse. Many critics of football already say that training staffs are more concerned about getting guys back on the field than they are about the players' long-term health. I hope that isn't the case here.
VOLuptuous writes:
There is a procedure called a allograft meniscus transplant that can be performed. It is a very difficult operation, and it is tough to find a proper cadaveric graft. It can be done, though. I sounds like he is also going to have a cadaveric allograft transplant of his femoral condyle as well. These are two huge surgeries. Good luck, young man, and God Bless.
VOLuptuous writes:
I agree about CLK pushing these kids back. Bones only heal so fast. Pushing back too early can lead to malunions and nonunions (they heal wrong or not at all). These are horrible problems. Tendons and ligaments have to have the proper time to heal correctly and fully. Pushing acute issues too quickly will turn them into chronic issues. Biology takes time. Pushing through it can be very dangerous. I love the heart of this coaching staff and these kids, but I hope they are smart about their rehab and treatments. You have a great training staff and fine physicians at KOC, please listen to them.
Vol_in_Texas writes:
Mr. McNeil,
No matter if you ever play football again, I want to thank you for being a Vol! It's that kind of heart that great men are made of, good luck and God speed.
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