From Kate's Blog: McNeal might not return for 2010 season

[ponyinNC]

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com ... -2010.html

:54 PM Thu, Dec 17, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Kate Hairopoulos/Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips


UNIVERSITY PARK-Junior running back Shawnbrey McNeal said Thursday that he will explore his NFL options after the Mustangs' Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

McNeal said he needed to do what was best for his family. The Miami transfer received an NCAA hardship waiver to play immediately this fall because his mother has long struggled with diabetes.

McNeal has rushed for 1,125 yards and nine touchdowns - the first collegiate player under June Jones to rush for more than 1,000 yards. Jones said he'll do anything he can to aid McNeal.

Also...SMU had to cut practice short Thursday morning because so many players were absent because they were taking finals. SMU leaves for Hawaii on Saturday morning.

[RGV Pony]

wow. just wow. Glad we signed the Oklahoma kid. After him, arent every one of our RB signees hobbled with an ACL?

another question though...why go public with this kind of stuff BEFORE the game?

[Junior]

I think he comes back. Another good year would do a lot more for him in the long run.

[MustangStealth]

As an FYI to the scouts who are at the bowl games. They judge you differently if they are looking at you for current value versus what you might be after another year of college.

[The PonyGrad]

wow. just wow. Glad we signed the Oklahoma kid. After him, arent every one of our RB signees hobbled with an ACL?

another question though...why go public with this kind of stuff BEFORE the game?

Yeah, kinda wonder about his academics if he is this ready to bolt.

[SMU 86]

Whatever Shawnbrey does I wish him well. He has done more in one year for SMU than some have done in their entire careers since the DP.

[RGV Pony]

you know what then...I say screw it. Let's give Shawnbrey the ball 35 times on Christmas Eve. Let him put on a show. Hopefully he can run over around and through Nevada...what an audition that would be.

[Charleston Pony]

given his family needs, if he can get a guaranteed contract, nobody could fault him for jumping at it. I just don't think he will be an attractive enough commodity to be a high draft pick and get that kind of deal. Our coaching staff should be able to advise him so hopefully he doesn't get influenced by some sleazy agent who could jeopardize his future.

[mustangxc]

Whatever Shawnbrey does I wish him well. He has done more in one year for SMU than some have done in their entire careers since the DP.

Replace some with most

[Junior]

Do we honestly think he'd get drafted? I find it hard to believe after one year with a starting job.

I wish him the best, regardless of what he does, but I think another year here will open more doors for him.

[Stallion]

also, the NFL is going to be skeptical of a finesse RB running out of this backfield based on only 1 year because the QB is never under center. He will be at the most a late draft pick which would be based on his speed. I have no problem with him appying for the NFL Draft but he needs to pay attention to the analysts review of his projected Draft round. I just hope this hasn't been the plan all along and he hasn't kept up with his academic requirements.

[SMU89]

If he hasn't kept up with his academic requirements, would he still be eligible to play in the bowl game?

Don't know him, but from all you hear sounds like a good person with a lot on his plate. Exploring the NFL is most likely enticing, but the reality is the NFL will be here today and gone tomorrow. A degree will be there for him and his family for the rest of his life, and he can still explore NFL opportunities after graduating.

[ponyscott]

I think we have all seen this coming..hopefully he won't hire an agent and just explore his options. He has an ailing mother and he has a little McNeal to support, so he owes it to them to at least see what or where he may go. I think he will find that another 1,200 yard rushing year and a bigger and better Bowl game next year may make his options much better after the 2010 season. His academics may be an issue also....

[ponysig96]

I know for a fact that McNeal's bowl eligibility is in question due to grades. He really needs to do well on his finals.

To me, the NFL talk is just that - a back-up if he has to drop out for some reason.

[SMU 86]

If he comes back next year I just hope he stays injury free for the season. An injury would really cost him a chance.