First, can you let me know how you got included in the USFL draft and what you’re hoping to achieve this season?
A former coach of mine told me about it – and then my agent told me as well. I read up on it and I felt like it was a good way to get back to continuing my career. I have a lot left in the tank – so I applied and got a contract from them.
Were you surprised to get drafted by the Maulers?
I landed on the team that my old coach from the Alliance Football League coached for – Coach Horton. So I feel like it was a connection thing – that helped. I feel like I had my best years playing for Coach Horton so it was a bit surprising but not very.
Feel good to know a former coach thought highly enough of you to wan you back?
Definitely. It’s reaffirming yeah.
You played so many different positions all through career -receiver, safety, outside linebacker – how did that help you?
I went to high school in South Florida and because of the late recruitment process I ended up taking a scholarship to South Dakota State as a receiver. I redshirted then was moved to safety as a Sophomore. Coach Petrino believed in me and gave me a chance to grow at a new position and took the time to teach me how to play safety. He helped me learn how to focus on the details of the position.
My Senior year though our mike linebacker got injured and they moved me to linebacker. They felt it was easier to have me fill that spot since I knew the defense.
After that I went undrafted. I was in San Francisco’s camp as a safety then had a tryout with the Colts as a safety, then I went to Atlanta.
In Atlanta they ran that Cover 3 with Dan Quinn. The safety play there – you live in the box more and that’s where I loved to be. I know it sounds weird but I love having to hit the guards when they’re on spills and pulls. I love that physical play.
After that I went to the Atlanta Legends of the AFL and played for Coach Horton as a safety, living in the box in that hybrid role, like I did with the Falcons.
How has all that change of positions helped you?
I think playing all of those positions gives me different perspectives – I can see things differently. As a former receiver and now defensive back, I know how the receivers look at defenses and how they get to their blocks, and how different formations show what they want to do.
Have you spoken much to the coaches yet about what the defense will look like and your role? 3-4 yes?
I think it will be a 3-4 – I think they want me to play outside linebacker there but I’m not sure of the details yet. I think they’ll have me moving around a lot – I’m excited about the role. I honestly think I’ll play everywhere – like a rover kind of guy – a hybrid.
I think it’ll be an attacking defense – stop the run snd limit the pass. I think it’ll be a very pass-happy league – maybe a couple of teams will pound the rock more. But knowing Coach Horton it’ll be a go-get-the-ball defense. Coach Horton has a great mind for the defense.
Any mentors that have helped you most over your career – how so?
Outside of my father, Keanu Neal in Atlanta – being up under him and seeing how violent and physical he played – I learned so much from him and soaked up a lot of the game and his knowledge from him.
Ricardo Allen played free safety but he helped me to learn how to study and diagnose defenses and plays off of tendencies. Little things like how tight ends line up. We were at the facility at five am breaking down film of teams – he taught me how to study like a pro.
And Coach Petrino – he and I still talk. He was always there to help me.
Do you know anyone on Maulers?
I know Bryce Torneden – I played with him in the last Spring League in Houston. Ajene Harris and I were in the Spring League together two years ago. Arnold Tarpley and I have mutual friends so we’re close.
Ever been to Pittsburgh?
I had a visit to Pittsburgh after the AAF – they flew me in with Jack Tocho and J.C. Hassenauer. But it didn’t go as planned – I didn’t pass buy physical due to a disc injury I had at the time from the AAF.
Lastly, what interests you outside of football?
I love video games – when I’m not training I’m playing video games.
I also have a training business for football, track, any sport. It lets me give back to the community – to the youth. I love giving back any way I can.
Other than that I’m just a quiet guy – I like being at home. I’m pretty reserved and just like relaxing at home.
Love ❤️ those Pittsburgh Maulers