KNOXVILLE – Tennessee has another injured starter to replace in its secondary.
Senior safety LaDarrell McNeil, a three-year starter and one of the Volunteers’ most experienced players, will be out for an extended period of time with a neck problem, coach Butch Jones said Thursday.
McNeil had been in a noncontact jersey in practice this week and sat out on Wednesday.
“This one came kind of out of nowhere,” Jones said. “It’s very, very unfortunate. I feel for him. He’s had some neck instability there, so he’s undergoing further examination. He will be out an extended period of time, and it could be a lengthy period of time.
“Everything is about the welfare of our student-athletes and making sure that there’s life after football. I feel for him and feel for his family. He’s a great representative of Tennessee football, has done everything that we ask and he’s got a special place in my heart.”