The community of Knoxville has joined together with fans, former Tennessee staff, and former Tennessee players all over the country to mourn the loss of former Tennessee defensive back LaDarrell McNeil.
“We are mourning the loss of VFL LaDarrell McNeil,” the Tennessee Football account posted to Twitter on Friday morning. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and his teammates. LaDarrell will be dearly missed.”
McNeil signed to Tennessee as a four-star defensive back prospect in the 2012 class. He played high school ball at Wilmer-Hutchins high school in Dallas, TX.
The defensive back had the starting nod 41 times over four years at Tennessee. During that span, McNeil accounted for 219 total tackles, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
His final season for the Big Orange was in 2015.
Former Tennessee staff and teammates of McNeil have commented on his passing through social media.
Tennessee Football:
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. pic.twitter.com/CQh2zfusgR
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) July 9, 2021
Willie Martinez, Tennessee defensive backs coach 2012-2017, 2021-current:
I loved coaching LaDarrell McNeil he was a young man of high character, good teammate, one the toughest & most physical players I’ve had the privilege to coach. Thankful & blessed to have been apart of his life. RIP 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/CD91zpDX01
— Willie Martinez (@Coach_Nez_) July 9, 2021
Brian Randolph Jr., Tennessee DB 2011-2014:
"Wherever two or three gather as my followers, there I Am among them", says The Lord. Ladarrell was the realest safety I ever played with and an even better person. Although it hurts that you're gone, I find comfort in knowing you are with Our Father. pic.twitter.com/vfKXllqnNF
— Brian Randolph (@Randyboy37) July 9, 2021
Todd Kelly Jr., Tennessee DB 2014-2018:
RIP 33 , you and Randy showed me the ropes as a young man 🙏🏾 🖤 pic.twitter.com/A7T8TlUzhe
— Todd Kelly Jr. (TK) (@ToddKellyJr) July 9, 2021
Kahlil McKenzie Jr., Tennessee DL 2015-2017:
OG rest up LD blessed to have known you 🖤 prayers out to the family man #Swarm33 Rest in Power Rest in Heaven! https://t.co/vkleOKgaC5
— Kahlil McKenzie Jr. (@Kahlil_Mckenzie) July 9, 2021
Jason Croom, Tennessee WR/TE 2012-2016:
🙏🏾🕊 pic.twitter.com/r8sK5gRCBR
— Jason Croom (@j_croom18) July 9, 2021
Aaron Medley, Tennessee PK 2014-2017:
RIP LD. 💔 https://t.co/QYPDBTK304
— Aaron Medley (@MedleyAaron) July 9, 2021
Danny O’Brien, Tennessee DL 2012-2015:
Rest In Peace LD https://t.co/lfDHZbvVCZ
— Danny O'Brien (@dandiesel13) July 9, 2021
