Tigers Turn The Corner

by TigerNet Staff - Mon Dec 06 23:20:15 GMT-04:00 2004

J.C. Neal - Wide Receiver
Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Hometown: Sumter, SC (Lakewood HS) Class: 2005

ESPN: NR

Often times, part to the battle is just bringing a prospect on campus for a visit. The staff has done a great job of getting kids to visit Clemson officially and unofficially this year. JC Neal had been heavily leaning towards going out of state. After an unofficial visit to Clemson for the South Carolina game, Neal has softened his stance.

"I went to the game at Clemson for the first time. I really liked it, and after the game I told Coach Swinney that I would come there for an official visit. I have South Carolina on January 7, then NC State on the 14th, and Clemson will be my last visit on January 21. After I take all my visits, I will make my decision. Yesterday, I got back from my official visit to Maryland. It was alright."

The atmosphere in Clemson definitely was the turning point with Clemson, but how did South Carolina get back in with Neal?

"Coach Spurrier kept calling me, telling me how much they are going to throw the ball. I would like to catch some balls in college. Last year, USC either ran a quarterback draw or threw it up for Troy (Williamson)."

As for what will ultimately decide for Neal will depend on how he feels at each school.

"I want to see how I feel when I get there. How I fit with the players and the coaches. Where I get that home feeling, I want to feel like I belong."

Neal will be spotlighted next week at the Shrine Bowl. Neal was slated to play defensive back, but that has changed.

"They have me on the roster as a DB. My coach called today and they said they will work me out at receiver. I wouldn't mind playing some running back too, but they have some pretty good ones. I hope I will get to room with Mike Davis. We have become pretty good friends throughout this process."

Neal stated that the two had not really discussed the possibility of playing in college together. Neal is scheduled to be on the "Overdrive" at 3:30 on Wednesday December 8, but with very busy schedules for prospects all interviews are subject to change.