Vols Football: LaDarrell McNeil Hurt, Pig Howard Suspended

Tennessee Vols Football Head Coach Butch Jones said Thursday that safety LaDarrell McNeil is injured and WR Pig Howard has been suspended the first game.

In his Thursday press conference at noon, Butch Jones had to share a little bit of bad news. There’s already Rashaan Gaulden gone for the season along with Marcus Jackson and Austin Sanders, and Vincent Perry will also miss some time.

Now, to add to the chaos, Jones said that Strong Safety LaDarrell McNeil will miss a period of time due to an injury as well.

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The injury could keep him out for a “lengthy” period of time, according to Jones.

That leaves the door open for sophomores Evan Berry or Todd Kelly to move into a starting role alongside Brian Randolph, but it’s a sad story with McNeil, who has consistently fought to hold onto his starting spot going into his senior year.

Hopefully, he will be back sooner rather than later.

Meanwhile, Pig Howard will be suspended for the first game of the year against the Bowling Green Falcons. Jones said it is due to an issue that has happened months ago, and although he has to serve his time for it, the head coach was very complimentary of the receiver after announcing the suspension.

“I like the way he’s approached training camp,” he said, noting this is the best training camp he has had since he has been at Tennessee.

See the full press conference here.

Here are other notes from the press conference:

-Preston Williams took his ACT on Aug. 10, but Jones said they are still waiting on the results and gave no timetable, a situation he described as “unfortunate.” (Note: Williams was added to the team later in the afternoon)

-Despite injuries and suspensions, Jones said this was the “best week of practice” for the receiving corps. this week and noted that they continue to get better.

-Jones said the offensive line is getting better as well, but nobody’s job is really safe, and they may not have an exact rotation laid out until Gameday next Saturday.

Next: Vols Football: Rashaan Gaulden Replacements

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