McNeal committs to SMU!!!

[FIVE-O-FAN]

Here is what was said about him a couple years ago.

McNeal is a jet. He looks like a small receiver but runs with a running back's mentality. He is quick, exploisve and speedy -- the ultimate space player but with surprising toughness, too. Reminds us of last year's Chevon Walker from Florida. He is the perfect fit for the spread offense because he could line up as a wing, slot receiver and one-back running back. He shows impressive initial quickness and burst through the line of scrimmage. He sees blocks developing and is able to make sharp cuts in order to get through a tiny crease. Has Eric Metcalf-type movements. Lateral quickness and stop/start ability are outstanding. Will routinely bounce plays to the outside and has that rare stutter-step to control defenders and break them down in the open field. Shows decisive cutting skills. He will lower his shoulder and runs tough and hard, although he is not equipped to handle a full load in a power running game. Displays nice patience, will leap-frog would-be tacklers and get back to full speed in a hurry. Has great upside as a receiver out of the slot. Is a mismatch for linebackers and some safeties. Could develop into a scary punt return specialist with added experience in that role. The problem is that he isn't very big. Needs to add bulk and strength to hold up in a full-time running back role at the next level. He is a hybrid running back/slot receiver who will most likely be a jack of all trades. Overall, McNeal has explosiveness and speed you can't teach and is a big-play threat each time he touches the ball.

[Nacho]

I'm sure Bl will get the first game start but if he throws some ints they have to go with someone else--my guess is Braden. Starting off the new year right with some qb controversy.

[ALEX LIFESON]

Very exciting stuff! I just hope we get a break, and he can play in 2009.

[FIVE-O-FAN]

The waiver to play immediately may not be such a long shot being that his reason for transferring is family issues. The NCAA looks much more favorably on those applications than they do on ones that are based solely on personality conflicts with the coaching staff.

[Stallion]

even if he doesn't get the waiver-the great news is that he has a redshirt to burn so he will get 2 years either way.

[LA_Mustang]

if we continue getting guys like McNeal, Johnson and Clark we will finally turn this thing around - see TC-who?

[1983 Cotton Bowl]

This is great news. We badly need a running game upgrade. It sounds like this is a guy who will actually be able to run a sweep play and turn the corner. Very exciting start to the new year!

[Stallion]

I doubt if he'll run many sweeps out of SMU's offense. He has the speed and quickness though to be a real playmaker on the delayed handoff and shovel pass to keep defenses honest.

[Dooby]

Victory lap around my office. Hell, yeah!!

Here is hoping Randy Shannon agrees that since he will never play against SMU, he should waive him sitting out a year.

[FIVE-O-FAN]

Just called a buddy that eats, sleeps, and breathes Miami football. He was surprised to hear that he was coming to SMU. He thought McNeal would end up at TCU. He spoke highly of the kid and agreed that this was a good pickup for SMU. He said that McNeal should be an impact player in our style of offense (good fit). Seemed to think that he may have gotten in Shannon's doghouse a bit due to some issues with holding onto the ball (admittedly speculation on his part). Regarding the waiver, he had heard that McNeal's chances should be excellent for being granted the waiver. He cited TaShard Choice's case as precedent.

He also said that McNeal's father would likely be hitting the message boards, if so, please let your son know that we are very happy to welcome him to The Hilltop.

[jimhagle]

Maybe the second coming of Shanderick Charles! Great addition!

[abezontar]

Maybe the second coming of Shanderick Charles! Great addition!

I hope we get more than a year out of him.

[Pony Fan]

Maybe the second coming of Shanderick Charles! Great addition!

This guy is MUCH FASTER than Shanderick

[sbsmith]

This is a good get, McNeal is ridiculously fast but found playing time to be scarce at Miami. He should be useful provided he becomes better at ball security.

[MrMustang1965]

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!