Interview: 2018 North Carolina Talent Alim McNeil has Classic Mike Linebacker Game

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is a really good Class of 2018 secret being kept on the east coast, but that regional recruiting gem is about to get big exposure come 2017. One of the hardest spots to fill on any college football recruiting roster year after year is at middle linebacker… come National Signing Day 2018, Alim McNeil will make one head coach very-very happy.

McNeil is already that go-to athlete who does everything possible for Sanderson High School. The 6-2.5, 258 pound, athlete has spent time on both sides of the ball since being called up to the varsity level during his freshman season. During his junior season, McNeil rushed 15 times for 69 yards scoring 12 touchdowns. Not a typo, 12-of-15 carries ended with six points on the board. He also had four receptions for 24 yards with another trip to the end zone.

On defense, where he will more than likely fill a roster spot at the next level, McNeil was a first team All-Conference linebacker in 2016 racking up 84 tackles, 60 solo, 18 tackles for a loss, six sacks, two interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries with one being a scoop-six. All of the hard work on both sides of the ball helped his Raleigh squad to a 9-4 record against 4A North Carolina competition. The Spartans made a two-game run into the playoffs topping Southview before falling to Middle Creek.

McNeil’s productivity on the field as a junior was not a flash in the pan turnout. In 2015, McNeil had 71 tackles, 52 solo, with 16 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, two passes deflected, and a fumble recovery. His role on offense was not as big but he still had 16 carries for 81 yards with two scores and two receptions for 22 yards.

College offers have already starting rolling in for McNeil with Tulane, East Carolina, Boston College, and Virginia Tech being the first hoping to lure him their way on signing day. The list of interested is long and growing with N.C. State, Notre Dame, Oregon, and Clemson being a few among the many.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with NcNeil going over his junior season and recruiting process getting the inside scoop on one of the rising stars in the 2018 class.

Interview

Alim, did you start during your freshman season?

“Yes. I started at tight end.”

How did your freshman season go?

“I had seven touchdowns and 200 receiving yards that year.”

Nice. Watching your reel, you play all over the place from tight end to running back and on defense at middle linebacker to nose guard and end. Of all the positions, which do you like best?

“I’d say defensive end.”

Really? Why end?

“I get an easier rush on the quarterback. I know I can beat the lineman off the snap at end and can get to the quarterback easier.”

How did the 2016 season go for you?

“It was very good. I went into the season with two offers from Tulane and Boston College. I had a lot of stuff to work on and I improved on a lot of things from the season before.”

What were some of the things you improved on in 2016?

“My vision, seeing the blocks, and taking on blocks. I improved on my speed, footwork, strength, and my overall football IQ improved.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“My vision, my awareness – knowing what is going on and my instincts. I can always find the ball.”

How did the playoff game against Southview go for you?

“The Southview game went well. I had 14 tackles, and two touchdowns. One was a scoop-and-score for 65 yards. My other touchdown was a 10-yard run on a wedge play.”

How did your playoff game against Middle Creek go?

“I played really well against them. With our team effort, I don’t think we gave our all. I feel like I could have done more but I played pretty well that game.”

Which game was your best game in 2016 and why do you consider that your best game?

“My best game by far was the Wake Forest game. They just won the state championship game against Page. I had 19 tackles that game and four QB hurries. I was penetrating through the line every play. I had motivation that game going against Devon Lawrence (1,533 yards, 15 TDs). He is the leading running back for them. I know him, we are friends, but we were competing.”

Will your role expand or will you be at another position during your senior year?

“We’ve been talking about moving me to defensive end since my sophomore year. I might be at end next year.”

What will you work on in off-season to prepare for your senior year?

“I want to work on my hands and getting off linemen quicker. I will work on my speed and strength. That will help me throughout the season.”

Do you remember your max totals from the off-season?

“Yes, sir. My bench was 335, squat 450, and my clean was 285. My Nike SPARQ score was 113. That was the best rating for inside linebackers at the regional camp.”

You have four offers, which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“Wake Forest, Oregon, Notre Dame, N.C. State, Duke, Clemson, Arizona State, and Appalachian State.”

Did you take any game day or unofficial visits during the season?

“I did. I went to Duke, UNC (North Carolina), N.C. State, Virginia Tech, and Clemson. I went to N.C. State on Saturday.”

How did your trip to N.C. State go?

“It went really great. Talked to the head coach, Coach (Dave) Doeren. They are very interested in me. They want me to come to one of their camps as a defensive end to see me. They want to see my hand placement, hand size, and things like that. They recruit linebackers that become D-linemen. They have very high interest in me from what they told me. They came to a practice to watch me this season too. That went really well.”

What visits do you have coming up?

“I have a Junior Day visit on Jan. 15 to Virginia Tech. I’m going on others but I do not know the dates yet.”

Which schools might you go visit?

“East Carolina, N.C. State again, UNC, and that’s all for now.”

It is really early, but have you started thinking about any college camps you may want to attend?

“Not yet. I would like to go to some out of state.”

Are you playing any spring sports this year?

“I play baseball.”

Which position?

“I started in right field last year.”

Are you pretty good with the stick?

“I hit third in our lineup last year.”

Are you going to do any track or field work?

“Our track coach spoke to me about that, but it is during baseball. If I do, I would try to train for speed and throw the shot and discus.”

For fun, are there any bowl games you are excited to see coming up?

“Yes. The Clemson game most definitely. I talk to them a lot. I’m looking forward to watching that game. Virginia Tech verses Arkansas, N.C. State against Vanderbilt, and UNC and Stanford.”

Alim, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your off-season workouts.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: McNeil family; Alim McNeil at Clemson.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 29 Alim McNeil celebrates a big play.

Photo credit: 247Sports.com; Alim McNeil at Duke.