Florida wide receiver Mike McNeely lived every walk-on’s dream on Saturday afternoon when he scored a touchdown in the Gators’ 38-20 upset win over Georgia. McNeely, who holding for a field goal, took the snap in the second quarter and took off 21 yards to the end zone to tie the score 7-7.
Twenty-four hours later, McNeely had a different uniform on – as a cashier and bagger at a Publix supermarket in Gainesville.
Gators fake kick hero Mike McNeely working at Publix today as scheduled. http://ift.tt/1DNkLA1
— Jeff Barlis (@JeffBarlisESPN) November 2, 2014 ESPN.com’s Jeff Barlis was on the scene with McNeely during his usual 1 to 8:45 p.m. Sunday shift. This one was a bit different than usual.
McNeely took photos with fans and signed autographs on tickets, pictures and even receipts. He gave some high-fives and some hugs and, of course, bagged groceries, helped customers to their cars and collected shopping carts.
McNeely, a fifth-year senior who plays primarily on special teams, said his first career touchdown worked exactly like it did in practice.
“It was a great call,” McNeely said. “It was drawn up perfectly. The guys blocked. I know Tevin (Westbrook) had a great climb and Clay (Burton) kicked out. (Kicker) Frankie (Velez) faking helped. All the linemen blocking, it was perfect. All I had to do was run. It worked just like it did in practice, so I knew where to hit it.”
Head coach Will Muschamp praised McNeely, who was put on scholarship in preseason camp, after the game. Muschamp, himself a walk-on at Georgia during his playing career, appreciates what McNeely brings to the team.
“Walk-on or scholarship, it doesn’t matter to me. The guy is a good football player,” Muschamp said. “I mean, he’s earned his scholarship now. But he’s a hard-playing, quick, good athlete. I mean, he can line up and play receiver as well as some of our guys. That’s the type of guy he is. I didn’t even blink putting him back there.”
McNeely said he will continue to work at Publix until he begins studying at UF’s medical school next August. But for now, he’s focused on Florida, now 4-3, stringing some wins together.
“It’s great to get the ball rolling in the right direction. I’m looking forward to going back to work on Monday,” he said.
For more Florida news, visit InsideTheGators.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Florida's Mike McNeely grocery store shift was a bit different day after TD on fake FG
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