Davonte’ Neal sticking with four finalists as decision day gets closer
by Anthony Gimino on Feb. 14, 2012, under Arizona football, Arizona football recruiting
Davonte' Neal of Scottsdale Chaparral is the top unsigned player in the country. Photo by David Wallace/The Arizona Republic
It’s Tuesday, which means it’s one week away from the college decision of Scottsdale Chaparral High football star Davonte’ Neal.
Neal, who is ranked the eighth-best prospect in the nation by ESPNU, has been considering four finalists — Notre Dame, Arkansas, North Carolina and Arizona — and he doesn’t plan on paring that list, at least publicly, before next Tuesday’s announcement.
That’s according to Richard Obert of the Arizona Republic, who also writes that Florida tried to make a late run at Neal but was turned away.
While there is plenty of speculation out there, it is worth noting that Obert — who has been all over Neal’s recruitment — tweeted that “it looks down to ND or Arkansas.”
Oklahoma tried to get into the mix late, largely on the strength of new linebacker coach Tim Kish, who had a previous relationship with the Neal family from his time on the Arizona coaching staff. Ohio State was considered one of the favorites but didn’t want to wait for Neal’s decision.
For sure, Neal has the spotlight all to himself. He is the only player on ESPNU’s top 150 who hasn’t signed.
Neal, a receiver/cornerback, would certainly be the centerpiece to Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez’s first recruiting class and further strengthen UA’s new ties to Scottsdale Chaparral, whose former head coach, Charlie Ragle, is now Rodriguez’s liaison to in-state recruiting.
The Wildcats signed two of Neal’s teammates from Scottsdale Chaparral — defensive end Dylan Cozens and linebacker Cody Ippolito — and will have at least one more walk-on.
