Tennessee began recruiting
Wilmer-Hutchins (Dallas) defensive back
Ladarrell McNeil when he was a freshman. But then there was a coaching change, as head coach Lane Kiffin headed for USC and Derek Dooley moved over from Louisiana Tech to be the Vols' head coach.
Photo by Robbie RakestrawLadarrell McNeil, Wilmer-Hutchins
The change didn't deter McNeil, MaxPreps' No. 4 safety prospect in the country, from signing with Tennessee. It might have even helped land McNeil (6-2, 195), a big hitter who played in last month's U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
"The big pull to Tennessee for me was coach Dooley and all the coaches up there," McNeil said. "Coach Dooley came into my house and basically took me in like family."
McNeil had 124 tackles, forced four fumbles and had one interception last season. His list of finalists included Nebraska, Arkansas and Oklahoma State.
McNeil's teammate, defensive back
Damein Lawry, signed with Iowa State.
MaxPreps 2012 National Signing Day page