McNeal Eligible For 2009 Season
Sept. 4, 2009
DALLAS (SMU) - SMU running back Shawnbrey McNeal is eligible to play immediately, the NCAA ruled today. McNeal had transferred to SMU this summer after spending two seasons at Miami. SMU had submitted the waiver request, which will allow him to play in 2009 as opposed to sitting out the traditional one season specified by NCAA guidelines, and the Dallas native was granted the exemption based on mitigating personal circumstances.
The 5-10, 190 lb. back, who will be a junior, rushed for 152 yards and three TDs in two seasons at Miami after a prep career at Dallas Madison, where he was a three-star Rivals.com prospect. He was a first-team all-state selection as a high school senior after posting 139 carries for 1,441 yards and 20 touchdowns and was also a two-time 100-meter 3A state champion in track.
McNeal and the Mustangs will open the 2009 season Saturday, Sept. 5, in front of a sold-out Gerald J. Ford Stadium when SMU hosts Stephen F. Austin at 7 p.m.
