Rickey Neal: Finding His Niche

By Kate Kolsrud
Athlete Communications Student Assistant

Once a quarterback, now defensive end, UNI football's Rickey Neal has proven his versatility.

The red shirt sophomore majors in public relations. In his youth, Neal was a multisport athlete, receiving letters in track, basketball, and of course, football. Although his adolescence proved him to be an all around incredible athlete, he soon realized that he was destined to be a football player.

Neal started playing football in sixth grade and even then his coaches knew how valuable he was. Throughout his youth, he was placed at many positions such as wide receiver, tight end and running back.

Upon entering Horlick High School in Racine, Wisconsin, he took over as quarterback and led the Rebels to a city championship and a playoff appearance in 2013. He also was named offensive player of the year by his team, earned an All-Area honor as a quarterback, and was named first team All-Conference in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

Fortunately, his high school success was only the beginning. Many schools were campaigning for him, such as Eastern Michigan and Illinois State. However, visiting UNI was the end of the line.

"The recruiter and coaching staff were so genuine," Neal said. "I didn't know where UNI was or who they were before visiting, but by the end, I knew I needed to come here."

Just like his youth league coaches, the UNI football staff knew how flexible of an asset he was. However, in the long run, his adaptability helped him succeed.

"I've had the chance to play at all three levels; quarterback, offense and defense." Neal said." I can make plays wherever. It's part of being a football player."

As a former high school quarterback, he started here as a wide receiver. He then moved along through a list of positions including special teams and different spots on the line.

Finally, he found his home as a defensive end and continues to excel there. Last season, he posted 27 total tackles, one interception and three force fumbles throughout nine games.

Neal admits that sometimes it has been hard to adjust. Each time he moved, he had to drop whatever information he learned about the past position and gather new intel. He explained that though it's the same play, he has a completely different job.

"I watch and re-watch a lot of tape." he said. "The more I do it, the better I get. I focus a lot on visualizing where I need to be and what the other team will be doing."

Neal explained that he has many goals for 2017. Personally, he would like to post five to seven force fumbles, which likely would lead him in the nation. However, he is well aware that football is a team sport and hopes to help his brothers win a conference title.

"It's not about the individual," Neal said. "As a team, we really need to focus on what's bigger than our personal goals and appreciate the opportunities that we have."

Neal's ultimate goal is to get drafted into the NFL and continue his football career. Like any collegiate or professional sport, sometimes the pressure to succeed can be overwhelming.

"When it gets tough," Neal said, "I just think about Coach Johnson saying 'focus on the process, not the prize.'"

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