James Neal
6'0" 225lbs LB
RS Senior
Transfer UTEP
James Neal is a highly intelligent person playing a position that rewards, if not demands, smart play. Last year James was named a Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Medalist , an honor reserved for student-athletes with a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Given that middle linebackers are often considered the quarterbacks of the defense, James’ intelligence is a highly desirable quality. Thankfully, his contribution to the football team goes beyond his academic awards.
As an undersized LB out of high school, James signed with Abilene Christian University, where he played in all 12 games as a true freshman and, naturally, secured a spot on the Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll. Later, he transferred to Tyler J.C. for his COVID year, earning a spot on the JUCO All-American Team and, to no surprise, made the President's list with a perfect 4.0 GPA. His success at the junior college level earned him a scholarship as a prized recruit at UTEP, where then-head coach Dana Dimel remarked, and I’m paraphrasing, "There are only 22 JUCO All-Americans, and James was one of them."
However, James' transition to UTEP likely took longer than he anticipated, partly due to the presence of two all-conference linebackers ahead of him on the depth chart. It required two years, including a redshirt season, for James to ultimately achieve his goal of starting at UTEP, and he did not disappoint. In the 2023 season, as a full-time starting linebacker, he recorded 81 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, 1 interception, a forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery. When comparing his 2023 PFF stats to those of Max Harris, our recent prized linebacker transfer from ULM, or Dan Foster, last year’s starter for TXST, James not only compared favorably but arguably performed slightly better, particularly due to his ability to apply pressure on the quarterback.
It's evident that James puts in as much effort on the field as he does in the classroom, as it appears he has added 45 pounds of muscle since high school. Considering James' growth and production in 2023, I am reevaluating my initial projections for starting linebackers this fall. While I initially identified Dan Foster, last year's starter, and the newly signed Max Harris as frontrunners, James Neal's presence introduces an element of uncertainty to my projections. This is a positive development, particularly as my main concern this offseason has been the departure of "Captain America" Brian Holloway and the lack of depth and experience at linebacker.
It's difficult to envision a scenario where James Neal does not start, or at the very least, play a significant role in our defense—especially with former UTEP DC Bradley Dale Peveto now on our coaching staff.
Measurables: 4.8
Skilll: 4.7
Other:Â 5.0
Overall: 4.83
Sources:
James Neal Defense Grades | Pro Football Focus
UTEP football adds two junior college All-Americans, Dana Dimel says
James Neal Career Stats - NCAAF - ESPN
James Neal - Tyler Junior College
James Neal - Football - Abilene Christian University Athletics
