PHU’s Mike McNeely starting to catch fire

PALM HARBOR – A year ago, WR Mike McNeely led Palm Harbor in catches even though he missed four games after having knee surgery.

This season, his health hasn’t been an issue.

But the health of his quarterbacks has been.

Starter Ja'Tyuan Landing was injured in the opener, and though he’s back in the lineup he’s still not at 100 percent. Landing’s backup, Billy Pavlock, sustained a broken shoulder three weeks later, leaving Kenny Blanch, a promising player but a third-stringer nonetheless, in charge of the offense for a spell.

Despite PHU’s musical QB situation, McNeely has started to show why PHU coach Mark Haye boasted during the preseason that he was “the best fundamental receiver I’ve ever seen in my life.”

For the season, McNeely has 21 catches for 294 yards and one TD. A healthy chunk of that was produced in the Hurricanes’ two most recent games.

Against St. Petersburg, he caught seven passes for 134 yards.

Against East Lake, he had four receptions for 78 yards.

“He’s a really good route runner and has very good hands,” Haye said.

Players in post

• Mike McNeely

Teams in post

• Palm Harbor University High School