Good Shawnbrey McNeal press

[ponyfan84]

From SI.com football writer Don Banks in his latest "snap judgments" article:

"You probably haven't heard much about Shawnbrey McNeal yet, but I'm told that first-round pick Ryan Mathews isn't the only rookie running back worth paying attention to in San Diego this season. McNeal, an undrafted free agent out of SMU, made people notice him during the Chargers' offseason workouts and there's a belief within the organization that he could wind up being the guy who replaces third-down back Darren Sproles in 2011.

The Chargers franchised Sproles in 2009 and protected him via a one-year, $7.28-million restricted free-agent tender this spring (first and third-round compensation level), a move they had to make after giving Tomlinson his freedom. But while Mathews, the draft's 12th overall pick out of Fresno State, is expected to get No. 1 back duties this season, San Diego is eager to see if McNeal can prove to be a more affordable third-down specialist in the role Sproles has owned in recent years.

Like Sproles, McNeal is small (5-9, 190) but quick, he runs with power and has good hands. After transferring from the University of Miami, he played for throw-happy head coach June Jones at SMU, so he knows how to catch the ball out of the backfield and get upfield with a sense of fluidity. McNeal left college a year early in order to help support and care for his mother's medical concerns, so he might need a redshirt season of sorts as an NFL rookie. But keep an eye on him in the Chargers' third running back competition this summer."

Awesome stuff! I admit, I was doubtful of his ability to succeed in the NFL or even have a legit shot, thinking he needed a year of school to hone his skills, but it looks like he landed in a perfect situation, on a team that is RB needy. Good for him!

[gforce021]

Can anyone say bittersweet?

[Mestengo]

He will make it.

[Cadillac]

http://www.nctimes.com/sports/football/ ... 078ee.html

Top moments from Wednesday's practice

1. WR Legedu Naanee finally made a mistake in training camp. The former quarterback took a handoff and launched a pass that was more duck than spiral. It was intercepted by CB Traye Simmons.

2. RB Shawnbrey McNeal, who has made a solid impression during the rookie portion of training camp, had another productive day.

3. SS Darrell Stuckey has shown command and leadership in the secondary, earning praise for his work. He has proved his is the most advanced of any rookie.

[Cadillac]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... -the-vets/

Rookie free agent Shawnbrey McNeal is on another level from Curtis Brinkley. McNeal's competition for the third running back spot will be Marcus Mason.

-CoS

[Alaric]

I hope he sticks for his sake and ours - more good advertising for the program & to prospects.

I'm still wondering why a guy who ran a 10.3 100 meters in high school could only manage a 4.56 40 at the combine

[Junior]

maybe he's REALLY fast over the last 60

[PerunaPunch]

I dunno, but from everything I've heard, he approached the NFL tryouts rather lackadaisically considering what was on the line. After a poor showing at the combine, he declined to try bettering his results when asked by the scouts at SMU's pro day.

By contrast, guys like Sanders and McCann -- who rocked at the combine -- really impressed scouts by their willingness to perform at SMU's pro day. If I remember correctly, Sanders even outdid some of his NFL combine-best numbers, which undoubtedly REALLY impressed the scouts.

Maybe McNeal wasn't feeling up-to-par that day. Or maybe McNeal recognized himself as one of those guys who does better with pads on. Who knows? But while I was disappointed by the effort he gave off the field at SMU, I'm glad it sounds like he's getting it done on the field at Sandy Eggo.

[SMU 86]

He put on too much weight as he was given some not so good advice to do so. That's why his 40 time was not that good. Also, he did run at the SMU pro day but did not clock a good 40 time again due to the weight gain. He did not approach anything lackadaisically.

[Cadillac]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... -exciting/

Norv Turner always has the third team go totally live for a series on the first day in pads and then a few more times over the next week. Yesterday, the offense gained just two yards on two inside runs before rookie Shawnbrey McNeal turned outside for a big gain on the third snap. It still says here that McNeal is the leader ahead of Marcus Mason for the third RB spot.

-CoS

[indianmustang]

Undrafted rookie Shawnbrey McNeal continued to impress, getting his most significant carries of camp on Monday with Marcus Mason sidelined with an ankle injury. Mason had been getting the bulk of the carries with the second team. The two are likely battling for the final running back spot.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010 ... ft-tackle/

[PonyDoh]

Hope Shawnbrey wins that competition, cause he makes more sense for the Sproles role. Marcus Mason is pretty darn good, always went to the wire at Skins camp, and made the team once or twice, if I remember. Much more of a lil bowling ball type, as opposed to Shawnbrey

[Mestengo]

McNeal is going to make it in the NFL. He's fighting for his life. He needs this, it's the only thing he can make money doing. I have always believed he would make it.

[Glenn Sosbee]

Ray Rice starter-kit. A few pounds lighter but an inch taller. I think McNeal could be an elite NFL RB very soon.

[Cadillac]

Actual McNeal Quotes.

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/ ... 6b0dac9e59

ROOKIE BUTTERFLIES: Much of Saturday’s fourth quarter likely will belong to the rookies.

“I want to see our young players play,” Turner said. “They’ve been working to get this opportunity. I want to see how they handle game action.”

That means several young players will have to contain their nerves for 45 minutes of game time.

One of them, Shawnbrey McNeal, is unfazed by the prospect of an energetic crowd and feels like San Diego’s practices are designed to prepare the rookies for games. But the step toward realizing what for many is an unreachable goal in playing for an NFL team gives him energy.

“Everybody’s got a little nervousness. If you’re not nervous then you’re not human,” McNeal said. “You’re one step closer to a lifelong, kid’s dream. Any time I get a chance to go out with the great group of guys I grew up around these (last) few months, and the vets, it makes me want to play the game that much longer.”