McNeil Cleared To Play for FSU

Kevin McNeil was so certain that his college career was on hold, he took a job on the Florida State campus just days following the Seminoles' Labor Day game at Miami.

The NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse had flagged a course McNeil had taken in high school. That meant McNeil likely wouldn't be allowed to enroll at FSU until January.

But today he attended class, worked out in the strength room and was prepared to join the team at practice in the evening. McNeil won his appeal with the Clearinghouse.

He could play as soon as Saturday. The defensive end had impressed coaches prior to being ruled ineligible by the Clearinghouse.

"It doesn't seem right that he was put in that kind of position, where he can't practice ... then all of a sudden he can play - he's eligible," FSU defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said.

Although he has missed both class work and practice, it was hoped that McNeil could catch up with both.

"It will take some extra work on his part, both in that (academics) and football," Andrews said. "He hasn't (played football) in two or three weeks now. He has some catching up to do, but he may be the healthiest body Jody (Allen, the defensive line coach) has got right now."