The three-star’s primary position is on the offensive line for Peachtree Ridge – who is gearing up for a playoff run – but does play defensive tackle as well. Standing in at 6-foot-4, 280 pounds, McNeill is a force coming off the ball.
That’s something the Tennessee coaching staff noticed and projected well to the other side of the ball.
“They really like that I can play anywhere on the line,” the prospect said of the Vols. “They said I have good size and athleticism, and that I play with good physicality.”
Surprisingly, that was the first conversation McNeil held with the Tennessee program. Since the offer, the two sides have begun the relationship-building process.
“I’ve been on the phone with them a lot, both coach Pruitt and [Derrick] Ansley,” McNeill said. “They’ve been talking with my family, too.
“I know that coach Pruitt is one of the best defensive coaches in the country and that he is building a great class. They’ve got some good commits in some key areas. I’d like to be a part of that.”
Though his background is on the offensive side, the hopeful-defensive tackle uses that to his advantage.
“Playing offense really helps with my hand placement on defense. I know how to move people, so it’s easy for me to know what to expect,” McNeill said. “Playing offensive line and run blocking really helps with my get-off on defense.”