USC continues to hold a place of prominence with three-star LB Jabril McNeill of Raleigh. Monday he named his top 11 schools, and this summer he’ll cut that list down to five. From there he’ll take more visits and then make his decision. Joining the Gamecocks in the 11 are NC State, Virginia Tech, Washington, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Kentucky, Michigan State, Louisville, West Virginia and Oklahoma.
McNeill visited the Gamecocks for a junior day in January and since then they have been a major factor with him.
“I just really like the environment, I love the coaches and the people,” McNeill said. “I was there for a junior day and I just loved it, the brand new facilities they’ve got. When I was talking to the weight training coach about how they help you get stronger, faster and better, I just liked it all.”
The Gamecock staff certainly has let McNeill how much they want him. He said he hears from Will Muschamp every day, and he’s also talking with new linebackers coach Rod Wilson, new assistant Des Kitchings who just arrived from NC State, and defensive coordinator Travaris Robinson. Wilson, of course, is new to the scene, so the too are making up for lost time.
“They are just people, you know,” McNeill said. “They are coming after me hard. I like Coach Wilson. I love what he has to say. He expects a lot, but the way he’s going to coach his players, he’s going to get a lot out of them. I like Coach Wilson.”
McNeill said all the schools are working him hard but USC and Oregon are pushing particularly hard. And then there’s hometown NC State where his brother plays.
“I’m going to keep my eyes open and keep looking at everything,” McNeill said. “I’m going to mostly drop a top five, probably in August before the season. By the end of the season I’m going to be committed.”
Last season McNeill had 145 tackles with 21 quarterback hurries and 5 sacks. He’s ranked #31 among outside linebackers nationally in the 247Sports Composite and the #28 prospect in North Carolina.
