Over the summer, The Juice Online will be featuring players on the 2017 Syracuse football team as we countdown to kickoff. Today, The Juice Online looks at receiver/running back Moe Neal.
Syracuse head coach Dino Babers knows one thing about Moe Neal: That he will play.
Where exactly he’ll line up on the field? That’s a question that’s still being sorted out.
“We’re so young in the development of our football family and what we’re trying to get done at Syracuse, that he has the ability to help us in numerous areas,” Babers said during ACC Kickoff. “And because of that, you know, we need to move him around and make sure that he’s in the best spot for us.”
Neal was used as a running back last season, and finished second in rushing with 357 yards on 68 carries. But with junior Dontae Strickland returning (led the team last season with 566 yards) and the addition of freshman back Markenzy Pierre, a 5’11”, a 214-pound downhill runner, Neal has been taking reps at receiver.
“Moe is just such a versatile player,” Babers said. “He has the ability to play numerous positions.”
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His versatility has been aided by his work in the weight room.
When he arrived on campus, he was listed at 169 pounds. He will head into the season listed at 182.
“He’s put on some weight so he’s looking good,” quarterback Eric Dungey said. “He can play any position basically.”
Well, almost any position.
“He’ll even say he can play quarterback,” Dungey said, with a smile.
Inside slant: Neal may line up mostly at receiver this season, but he likely hasn’t seen the end of his days lining up in the backfield. “One year he may be able to help us more as a running back,” Babers said. “Another year he may be able to help us more as a wide receiver as we get more and more weapons around him.”
Vitals:
- Birthdate: November 1997
- Hometown: Gastonia, N.C.
- High School: Forestview
- Position: Running back/Wide Receiver
- Class: Senior
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 182 lbs
Career highlights: Neal appeared in all 12 games for Syracuse, finishing second on the team with 357 rushing yards. Against Pittsburgh, he rushed eight times for 91 yards and a 42-yard touchdown.
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