Interview: 3-Star 2021 Lawrence RB Devin Neal Commits to Kansas for Football and Baseball
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @Charlie_cd3
Entering his second season at the University of Kansas, head coach Les Miles is rebuilding the Jayhawks football program. One of those building blocks to return the Jayhawks as a contender in the Big 12 is getting top-rated recruits to come to Lawrence. On Friday, Coach Miles appears to have found his next star running back, and right in his own background, as three-star talent Devin Neal, out of Lawrence High School, has committed to his hometown team to play both football and baseball.
In in an announcement on his Twitter page Neal wrote, “I want to thank God for blessing me with an opportunity to play both my loves at the next level. I’m excited and humbled to announce I will be continuing my journey as a football and baseball student-athlete at the University of Kansas!”
In 2019, Neal helped the Lions to an 8-2 record rushing for 1,687 yards with 26 touchdowns while also chipping in with 523 receiving yards and six more touchdowns through the air. After the season, this play-making star was named first team All-Sunflower League and first team All-State.
Neal committed to Kansas after also receiving offers from Kansas State, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma State.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I caught up with Neal right after announcing his commitment to the Jayhawks.
Interview
Neal, first off, congratulations.
“Thank you.”
How did your commitment to Kansas take place?
“My commitment took place yesterday and today with Face Times with Coach (Brent) Dearmon (OC), Coach (Jonathan) Wallace (RB) and head coach Les Miles. They were separate.”
What was their reaction?
“They were ecstatic about my commitment, as they landed a local guy. They made it clear that I was a huge priority for them.”
What do you like most about the University of Kansas?
“What I like most about KU is the coaching staff. All of them are world-class and they are the reason why we’re about to blow up.”
What does it mean to you to be able to commit to your home town team and stay to play college football?
“It’s an honor. Playing in front of my family, friends, and former coaches is truly a dream come true for me.”
Are you going to try and recruit some of your high school teammates to Kansas?
“Of course. I’m going to try to recruit my guys, but at the end of the day it’s their recruitment so I’m going to leave it to them.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths on the football field involve my versatility. I’m a big sized back who’s also explosive and speedy. Also, I catch well out of the backfield, in the slot, or at a wideout position. I like to view myself as an every down back.”
What is your GPA?
“3.97.”
Thank you for your time and congratulations again on your commitment.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Neal family; Lawrence RB Devin Neal during his visit at Kansas