Rickey Neal
Linebacker
Northern Iowa
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Rickey Neal: 6’2, 237 and we haven’t officially run the 40. My best time is under a 1.60 in the 10-yard split.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Rickey Neal: NX Level training in Wisconsin with Brad Arnett.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day? What can we expect from you on that day?
Rickey Neal: It is on March 26th. I want to run a 4.5 forty, get over 10-feet on the broad, 34-inch vertical or higher, under a 4.2 in the 5-10-5, a 6.7 in the 3-cone and 20 reps.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Rickey Neal: Eastern Michigan and Illinois State offered. I didn’t take those offers. Eastern Michigan had a coaching change.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Northern Iowa?
Rickey Neal: It was the only offer at the time.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Rickey Neal: Great field awareness and good instincts. I know what’s coming. I know the tendencies of players and what offensive coaches will do. I was a pass rush specialist. I had a lot of QB hurries at Northern Iowa. I helped my team out a lot. I taught them so much. I brought energy and encouragement.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Rickey Neal: Everything at this next level. I haven’t mastered one specific position. Get stronger, maintain my speed and hand usage. I have a wide range of moves, but I need to get more consistent at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Rickey Neal: I came in as a QB. They switched my position 14 times. I played everything except OL and cornerback. I played WR, RB, safety and linebacker. I went to DE and even played DT at 225 pounds. Junior year, I played at LB. I played on the edge at DE last season. I played primarily with my hand in the dirt. They switched my position quite often, so I haven’t mastered one position.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Rickey Neal: It is when I had a blocked FG against at Iowa. They had the momentum going into halftime. I showed my effort and demeanor. Despite the energy of their stadium, I hopped over the line and blocked the kick. Against Youngstown State, I had three sacks, 4.5 TFL’s during my junior year. I was named the defensive player of the week in the conference and the hero national player of the week after that game.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Rickey Neal: Doing your job and producing.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Rickey Neal: I have been a Colts fan my entire life. When I was a QB, I just loved watching Peyton Manning.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Rickey Neal: Khalil Mack.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Rickey Neal: Communicating with your teammates. Everyone needs to be on the same page.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Rickey Neal: I check the formation. The formation might have a tendency. I check the RB’s depth. I want to see where the TE is. I look to see the O-linemen’s feet and splits. I check out how many WR’s they have on the field.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Rickey Neal: OL Jackson Scott-Brown and TE Briley Moore. 6’8 RT Spencer Brown can move and he is very long. On the defensive side, Xavior Williams is a two-time all-American. He is heading into his junior year. He is a phenomenal athlete. DE Elerson Smith is a golden boy. He will be a redshirt junior. He is 6’4 or 6’5, 245 and he is long. Chris Kolarevic is a young LB.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Rickey Neal: Dallas Goedert, Carson Wentz and Cooper Kupp. They are amazing players. But Cooper Kupp was the best.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Rickey Neal: For the love of the game. Everything about it. I don’t want to go to the NFL for the money, but for the game itself. The game is beautiful. It is a war. The structure it takes to win. The lessons it gives you. You have to go through obstacles in order to come out on top. You get life lessons from the game. It is all about competitiveness. The days when you play in front of a big crowd.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Rickey Neal: Someone who is an example of being brave and strong. He knows when to listen. Someone who can rally people together, get them to complete the mission.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Rickey Neal: I am a musician. I play five instruments: piano, drums, guitar, bass and saxophone. I am a church musician and I play on Sundays.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Rickey Neal: I graduated in December. I want to open up non-profits and help feed people in the third world countries and give children scholarships. I might go back to school.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Rickey Neal: Humility, perseverance, understanding, commitment and qualified.
