Neal's block helped UCF go bowling
There were many key performances that fueled UCF in their rebound from last year's winless campaign and into a bowl game.
Redshirt sophomore safety Tre Neal had a hand - literally - in ensuring the Knights got the sixth win they needed in order to appear in the postseason.
On Nov. 12, UCF was looking to become bowl eligible against a Cincinnati team that had pummeled them 52-7 just a year earlier. The Knights were clinging to a 10-3 lead midway through the third quarter when Neal was given the directive to go for a punt block.
Neal surged through the line virtually untouched, reaching the punter in time to deflect the ball just as it came off his foot. Justin McDonald scooped up the bouncing ball and returned it for a touchdown, extending UCF's lead to 17-3 which effectively put the game away.
"It's one of those things where time slows down," Neal said. "It's surreal. I'm right there and it feels like it slowed down. I felt like I was far when I dove and thought I wasn't going to get it, then I felt it hit my hand. My hand went numb. I looked on the ground and saw J-Mac scooping it up and everybody was running. There were only black jerseys around. It's a weird feeling because everything happened so fast. It really slowed down."
The Cincinnati game was a standout moment for Neal, who logged 19 tackles this season but has seen more action as a special teams player than he has at safety where he's been biding his time playing behind starter Drico Johnson. He knows a bigger opportunity is around the corner as he'll likely enter next spring as one of several new starters in the secondary.
"We're losing five or six seniors next year at DB," Neal said. "We've got to replace them. Last week (in bowl practices) we got a little bit more reps than we've been getting all throughout the season. We've been honing in on our abilities. We've been working hard all year. We've always wanted to play, but next year we're going to have to step up into that role. I feel confident in these guys coming up. We've got a lot of talent. We have a lot of expectations for these guys next year. No drop off, that's what the goal is."
Several players next spring will be vying to fill the shoes of Johnson and T.J. Mutcherson at safety, including Neal, Kyle Gibson, Brandon Scott, Alabama transfer Shawn Burgess-Becker and freshman Richie Grant.
"I'm really confident," Neal said. "I've been watching some of those guys. Shawn had to sit out this year so I've been watching him on scout team a little bit. He looks really good. He's going to be able to help us next season. I've got faith in Kyle. We've gotten plenty of reps. B-Scott had the pick against Cincinnati. As far as safeties, we're pretty straight. We've got Richie Grant too. He's a freshman and he's coming up too."
Cornerback will also be up for grabs with Shaquill Griffin and D.J. Killings graduating. Backups Nevelle Clarke and Rashard Causey will be greeted by some up and coming competition.
"Those corners, we've got to figure it out a little bit, but I feel confident in guys like Brandon Moore, Bryon Brown who got hurt and couple more freshmen that we're signing who should be pretty good. We've got a good group coming back next year. Losing seniors, people think it's going to be a drop off, but it's a next-man-up mentality."
Before he thinks about next season, Neal wants to end 2016 on a high note by knocking off Arkansas State in the Cure Bowl to secure a winning season. The Red Wolves' improving offense helped them win seven of their last eight games and a share of the Sun Belt championship.
"They're a good offense," Neal said. Their quarterback (Justice Hansen) is really good. They've got a good tight end (Blake Mack). They're kind of uptempo. They have a little bit of resemblance to Maryland who we played earlier in the year. We've got to refresh on concepts and schemes. We've got a pretty good game plan going into it. They're really good. They were co-conference champions."