LaDarrell McNeil, who played safety for Tennessee from 2012 to 2015, has died. He was 27.
McNeil’s death was confirmed by UT via Twitter.
“We are saddened by the death of VFL LaDarrell McNeil. Our hearts go out to him, his family, and his teammates. LaDarrell will be missed greatly.
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McNeil was noted for playing downhill at Dallas’ Wilmer-Hutchins High School, which led to him being a four-star recruit and the No. 6 safety in the country by 247Sports, as well as a Parade All-American in 2011. He had 124 tackles as a senior, for an impressive average of 13.8 per game, after having 148 as a junior.
McNeil was the first member of Tennessee’s rookie class in 2012 to earn a starting spot, and he was chosen to the SEC rookie All-Star team. He started the final seven games of the season at strong safety, finishing sixth on the team with 58 tackles.
He started all 12 games as a sophomore and finished fourth on the team with 54 tackles. He also got an interception and recovered a fumble.
After the season, the Vols sacked Derek Dooley and hired Butch Jones. It meant McNeil would be working with his third defensive coordinator in three years. He became lost in the system at times, which contributed to him running himself out of plays and getting scorched by receivers in coverage.
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McNeil had to win a starting spot as a junior before the season began and finished fourth on the team with 76 tackles. In the TaxSlayer Bowl, he had two interceptions, including one in the end zone against Iowa.
“The back end competition really pushed me to strive forward and motivated me to step up my game,” McNeil remarked in a 2014 interview.
During his junior year, Willie Martinez was the defensive backs coach.
“I enjoyed coaching LaDarrell McNeil because he was a young man of high character, a good teammate, and one of the toughest and most physical players I’ve had the honor of coaching.” I am grateful and lucky to have been a part of his life. Martinez, who is back with the Vols as the defensive backs coach, posted on Twitter, “RIP.”