DT Curtis Neal (6-1 290) of Cornelius, NC just ended his junior season in the North Carolina playoffs in late April. Now, he’ll have some time to let the bumps and bruises of the spring season heal before his senior season commences in August. He also can focus some on his football recruiting. He has his eyes on about five schools. Neal has set official visits with three including USC.
Neal said he talked with Gamecock head coach Shane Beamer Saturday, and he has scheduled an official visit for the season opening game at Williams-Brice Stadium on September 4th.
“He’s (Beamer) telling me they are pursuing me hard and want to get me up there before the official visit,” Neal said. “Maybe I can visit in June. It was a good conversation, and he said I could be a good asset for their team.”
Neal said he also hears from defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey practically every day.
“Getting close with the D-line coach talking ball and everything like that,” Neal said. “How I could fit their scheme and how he wants me to play for him. It’s really nice to hear.”
He’s also done two virtual visits with the Gamecocks to get a better feel for the school and the program.
“They showed me around campus, the staff and all type of things,” he said. “The vibe in the locker room, stuff like that.”
Neal also has set official visits with Wisconsin June 4th and Ohio State June 11th. He said Mississippi State and Oregon are two others showing a lot of interest. Right now, he’s set with just the three official visits.
“I’m taking two in the summer, then South Carolina,” Neal said. “I don’t know which ones I’m going to take after that. I don’t know if I need to take any after that.”
Neal said he will make his decision after taking his official visits. His plan is to sign in December and graduate early.
Neal has played 26 games in his high school career per MaxPreps, and he’s totaled 91 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 8 sacks.
Other Notes:
- DT Nick James of IMG Academy named a top six of USC, LSU, Florida, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Oregon. He has an official with the Gamecocks June 25th.
- LB Joshua Josephs (6-3 207) of Kennesaw, GA named a top 8 of USC, UCF, Memphis, Penn State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan and Miami.
- SAF Xavier Nwankpa of Altoona, IA named a final seven of Clemson, Iowa, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Texas A&M and Arizona State.
- Hilton Head LB Jaylen Sneed named a top five of Tennessee, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas A&M. USC had offered, Clemson had not.
- SAF Kye Stokes of Seffner, FL, who was offered by USC last week, committed to Ohio State.
- CB James Monds of Fort Pierce, FL, who had an early offer from Clemson, named a top six of Miami, Wisconsin, Mississippi State, Indiana, Michigan State and Nebraska.
- Spring Valley CB Paul Davis committed to Carnegie-Mellon.
- Former Coastal Carolina guard DeVante’ Jones is headed to Michigan.
- USC women offered 2024 5-6 Jaloni Cambridge of Nashville. She was the DII-AA Miss Basketball in Tennessee as a freshman this past season averaging 19 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3 assists per game. #Clemson also has offered.
- One time USC and Clemson target 6-9 Langston Wilson of Georgia Highlands JC committed to Washington.
