Diamond In The Rough: Jermaine McNeal

Jermaine McNeal is a 6’1” linebacker out of Alexandria Senior High in Alexandria, Louisiana. With 150 tackles last season, there is no doubt that he is an aggressive player who gets the job done when he charges. McNeal has a great eye for the ball and at 195 pounds, has no problem bringing opponents down. His experience as a power forward on the basketball team at Alexandria Senior High shows that he is very skilled at defending for his team. He knows the importance of having a hype energy so that every teammate around him can always be ready to kill the next play on the field.

CHECK OUT HIS FILM HERE

At what age did you begin playing football?

I began playing football at the age of six.

Do you play any other sports in high school? If so, how would you say they help you on the football field?

Yes. I play power forward for our basketball team. It definitely helps me with my stamina and agility.

What do you love about football?

I love the physicality of the sport. The intenseness gives me a drive to keep pushing.

How do you think coaches and teammates would describe you as a player?

I think coaches and teammates would describe me as a motivated player. They would also say I’m always hype and aggressive. 

What advice would you give to younger players who want to play high school football one day?

Younger players should aim to keep their heads up. Never give up if you really want to play high school football.

Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies?

When I’m not playing sports, I like to play the game. My favorite game to play is Call of Duty. I also just like to spend time with my family.

What is your favorite high school memory so far on the team?

My favorite high school memory so far is when my teammate caught a big pass against Ruston High to win a game that moved us onto the third round.

What do you do in your offseason?

During the offseason, I workout a lot just to keep my body right for when I do get back on the field.

Do you have any specific personal goals for next season?

For next season, I want to get more tackles than I had last year. I’m also aiming to get a scholarship.

What are some pregame activities that your team does?

Before the game, we usually eat our pregame meals as a team. We get together and talk about the upcoming game. We go over what we’re going to do in the game, like our plays, as well.

What pregame song gets you hype?

Faneto by Chief Keef is my pregame song that gets me hype every time.

Have you played any other positions? What other positions would you want to play?

I’ve played running back before, but that was in middle school. I’d like to play it again today.

Have you thought about what you would want to major in in college?

Yes I have. I would like to major in Engineering in college. 

What would you say motivates you the most?

I would say just football in general. It gives me opportunities to get better overall everytime I step on the field. 

What has football taught you about life?

Football has taught me how to be a real leader. It puts you in tough, fast situations sometimes. The sport has really helped me learn how to stand up and hold my own.

Who would you say are some of your biggest motivators in life?

I would say my coaches. They always help me through whatever. The help has really taught me how to be a better person.