LaDarrell McNeil, who served as a safety for Tennessee football from 2012 to 2015, has passed away at the age of 27 after starting in 41 games during his tenure with the team.
The University of Tennessee confirmed McNeil’s passing via Twitter, expressing their condolences and stating, “We are mourning the loss of VFL LaDarrell McNeil. Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family, and his teammates. LaDarrell will be dearly missed.”
McNeil gained recognition for his performance at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas, where his aggressive playing style earned him accolades as a four-star recruit and the No. 6 safety prospect in the nation by 247Sports. Additionally, he was named a Parade All-American in 2011 after recording an impressive 124 tackles during his senior year, averaging 13.8 tackles per game, following a junior season where he amassed 148 tackles.
Upon joining Tennessee’s football program in 2012, McNeil quickly distinguished himself as a standout player, becoming the first freshman in his class to secure a starting position. He was honored with a selection to the Freshman All-SEC team and concluded his debut season with 58 tackles, ranking fifth on the team.
Throughout his collegiate career, McNeil continued to excel on the field, starting in all 12 games as a sophomore and contributing 54 tackles along with an interception and a fumble recovery. Despite coaching changes within the team, McNeil remained a consistent presence, although he occasionally faced challenges within the defensive system that affected his performance.
During his junior year, McNeil was required to compete for a starting role but ultimately finished fourth on the team with 76 tackles, showcasing his determination and resilience. He also secured two interceptions during the season, including a crucial play in the end zone against Iowa in the TaxSlayer Bowl.
Reflecting on his junior season, McNeil acknowledged the competitive environment that motivated him to elevate his game and attributed his growth to the support of his coaches and teammates. Notably, defensive backs coach Willie Martinez praised McNeil’s character, toughness, and contributions to the team, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to coach him.
In his senior season, McNeil faced adversity due to a neck injury that sidelined him for the first two games. However, he returned to the field with resilience, making impactful plays such as intercepting a pass against Western Carolina and contributing to the team’s success against Florida and Vanderbilt.
McNeil’s senior season was marked by his dedication and perseverance, culminating in a total of 31 tackles despite the challenges he encountered. Following his passing, former teammates and colleagues took to social media to pay tribute to McNeil, highlighting his exceptional talent as a safety and his exemplary character as a person.
In remembrance of LaDarrell McNeil’s contributions to Tennessee football, his legacy as a skilled athlete and a respected teammate will endure, leaving a lasting impact on the program and those who had the privilege of knowing him.
