Link: QB Neal Burcham commits to SMU
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Re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
[video]http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Elite-11-Neal-Burcham-1096479;_ylt=AiTxFovj2uAHPg_FgInDkeVmr5B4[/video]
[video]http://rivals.yahoo.com/video/recruiting-football/Elite-11-Neal-Burcham-1096479;_ylt=AiTxFovj2uAHPg_FgInDkeVmr5B4[/video]
QB Neal Burcham Updates
Last week, Greenbrier, Arkansas QB Neal Burcham tied for the MVP in the finals of this year's Elite 11 in Malibu, California.
Neal was one of the only QB's at the camp who is uncommitted..
Last week, before Neal went to Malibu, Nick Saban called Neal at home. He didn't ask for Neal's dad, he asked specifically for Neal. Saban's QB camp coincided with the Malibu Elite 11, and Neal was not going to be able to attend Saban's QB camp as he had hoped. Saban, enthusiastically, (as it was described to me), wanted Neal to come to Alabama and visit with him face to face before Neal went to Malibu. Neal indeed went to Alabama and met with Saban before he departed for Malibu.
I can't tell you what was said in that face to face meeting, I have not a clue, and I didn't pry to find out. But, I got a sneaking feeling Saban is aiming for Neal. I'm sure they didn't just talk about the weather. My nephew, Scott Cavin, is a teammate of, and best buds with Neal, and my sister is close friends with his mom, so much so that they vacation together in Florida. I have done contract work with Neal's dad for about the last 10 years, and my brother-in-law works with Neal's dad. Like I said though, I never pry for info, I just repeat in earnest what was offered up.
I can tell you this, if Bama gets Neal, you're in for a winner.
Last week, Greenbrier, Arkansas QB Neal Burcham tied for the MVP in the finals of this year's Elite 11 in Malibu, California.
Neal was one of the only QB's at the camp who is uncommitted..
Last week, before Neal went to Malibu, Nick Saban called Neal at home. He didn't ask for Neal's dad, he asked specifically for Neal. Saban's QB camp coincided with the Malibu Elite 11, and Neal was not going to be able to attend Saban's QB camp as he had hoped. Saban, enthusiastically, (as it was described to me), wanted Neal to come to Alabama and visit with him face to face before Neal went to Malibu. Neal indeed went to Alabama and met with Saban before he departed for Malibu.
I can't tell you what was said in that face to face meeting, I have not a clue, and I didn't pry to find out. But, I got a sneaking feeling Saban is aiming for Neal. I'm sure they didn't just talk about the weather. My nephew, Scott Cavin, is a teammate of, and best buds with Neal, and my sister is close friends with his mom, so much so that they vacation together in Florida. I have done contract work with Neal's dad for about the last 10 years, and my brother-in-law works with Neal's dad. Like I said though, I never pry for info, I just repeat in earnest what was offered up.
I can tell you this, if Bama gets Neal, you're in for a winner.
Re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
As for Neal's measurements, about 7 weeks ago, Neal's dad told me that Neal had just been officially measured, in shorts only, at 6' 3" and 188 lbs. He weighed in at Malibu 6 weeks later at 193. Last season, he played at 175-177 lbs. Neal's dad is 6' 4" and his mom is 5' 9". I am 6' 2" and Neal is indeed an inch taller than me face to face. His long armed frame can easily bulk to 220 if he never grew another inch, though he'll probably will top out at 6' 4" like his dad.
I posted another thread on Burcham before I saw this one, or I probably would have just offered up the info in this thread.
As for Neal's measurements, about 7 weeks ago, Neal's dad told me that Neal had just been officially measured, in shorts only, at 6' 3" and 188 lbs. He weighed in at Malibu 6 weeks later at 193. Last season, he played at 175-177 lbs. Neal's dad is 6' 4" and his mom is 5' 9". I am 6' 2" and Neal is indeed an inch taller than me face to face. His long armed frame can easily bulk to 220 if he never grew another inch, though he'll probably will top out at 6' 4" like his dad.
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Re: Neal Burcham has another offer
SECFanatics.com, where the above post was drafted from, is pretty much my "home board". It's all true as written. Neal even has Sunday after church dinner at my mom's house fairly often. He is a fine kid. High quality of character, a dedicated athlete, very coachable.
Neal is also a top 10 basketball player in the Arkansas high school ranks. He plays point guard, averaging about 23 ppg as a junior. But, he has indeed decided to play football exclusively in college.
I should read before posting.
SECFanatics.com, where the above post was drafted from, is pretty much my "home board". It's all true as written. Neal even has Sunday after church dinner at my mom's house fairly often. He is a fine kid. High quality of character, a dedicated athlete, very coachable.
Neal is also a top 10 basketball player in the Arkansas high school ranks. He plays point guard, averaging about 23 ppg as a junior. But, he has indeed decided to play football exclusively in college.
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re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
I just discovered (after posting this thread), that this near exact post (above) that I had originally penned at SECFanatics.com, was drafted into the other Neal Burcham thread in this section already. Sorry for the duplicate, but I never thought about someone having already picked up that link and having pasted it here.
Dr. SwineSmeller
I just discovered (after posting this thread), that this near exact post (above) that I had originally penned at SECFanatics.com, was drafted into the other Neal Burcham thread in this section already. Sorry for the duplicate, but I never thought about someone having already picked up that link and having pasted it here.
Dr. SwineSmeller
Re: Neal Burcham has another offer
Petrino is also recruiting Neal, but if he doesn't get an offer to Neal soon, he may be caught waiting too long. Petrino had one other QB offer extended (he already missed on two others), and the current offeree was set to verbally commit on August 1st, but that recruit has now delayed his announcement indefinitely.
Before the Elite 11, Burcham's only offer was the University of Central Arkansas, a local university about ten miles from Neal's home in Greenbrier. Since then, D1 schools Arkansas State and Tulsa have offered Neal.
Petrino is also recruiting Neal, but if he doesn't get an offer to Neal soon, he may be caught waiting too long. Petrino had one other QB offer extended (he already missed on two others), and the current offeree was set to verbally commit on August 1st, but that recruit has now delayed his announcement indefinitely.
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Re: Neal Burcham has another offer
I did get a good take from a sports medicine doctor that I am good friends with. He has worked with about every University in the south, including Fayetteville. He is extremely insightful, he knows the physics of the game better than anyone else I'll never know, and he knows how it all works in the recruiting game. I posed the following question to him on his website, and this was his assessment. BigD is sly and doesn't speak unless he has a dern good inclination, and about 98% of the time, he is correct. >>>
Question by Dr. SwineSmeller to Dr Thompson:
"Two days ago, Neal had one offer, from UCA. Today, Arkansas State and Tulsa both called an offered.
And try this on for size. BigD, I want your best assessment of this situation...
A few days before Neal went to Malibu, Nick Saban called the Burcham residence and asked specifically for Neal. (Saban's QB camp coincided with the Malibu Elite 11). Saban enthusiastically and emphatically (as it was described to me), asked Neal if he could come to Alabama and meet with him before he went to Malibu. Neal indeed went to Alabama and met with Saban. I can't tell you what was said at that meeting, I didn't pry to find out.
What do you think Bigdaddio [Dr. Thompson]?"
Answer from Bigdaddio (Dr. Jim Thompson, Maumelle, Arkansas):
"i've only seen burcham play once, but it was obvious the skill set to play college ball is there. in the game i saw, burcham had NO help from his receivers and greenbrier was badly outcoached. ...i believe those are the reasons he's been labeled "a sleeper". you get him at an elite camp and away from that situation and suddenly he's on everybody's radar. alabama has been on to burcham for a while, and i'm sure saban knew the cat was about to get out of the bag and he wanted to get a last word in to neal before lots of others wanted his ear. ...i believe the only reason arkansas and alabama haven't officially offered burcham is his physical development and both want a leader with a dynamic personality who will dominate a locker room. from what i understand, neal is more of a quiet guy. if burcham can show a more aggressive leadership role on the field this year along with some weight room improvement, that'll seal the deal with the sec schools."
Read more: http://www.arsportstar.proboards.com...#ixzz1T2IacfqU
I did get a good take from a sports medicine doctor that I am good friends with. He has worked with about every University in the south, including Fayetteville. He is extremely insightful, he knows the physics of the game better than anyone else I'll never know, and he knows how it all works in the recruiting game. I posed the following question to him on his website, and this was his assessment. BigD is sly and doesn't speak unless he has a dern good inclination, and about 98% of the time, he is correct. >>>
Question by Dr. SwineSmeller to Dr Thompson:
"Two days ago, Neal had one offer, from UCA. Today, Arkansas State and Tulsa both called an offered.
And try this on for size. BigD, I want your best assessment of this situation...
A few days before Neal went to Malibu, Nick Saban called the Burcham residence and asked specifically for Neal. (Saban's QB camp coincided with the Malibu Elite 11). Saban enthusiastically and emphatically (as it was described to me), asked Neal if he could come to Alabama and meet with him before he went to Malibu. Neal indeed went to Alabama and met with Saban. I can't tell you what was said at that meeting, I didn't pry to find out.
What do you think Bigdaddio [Dr. Thompson]?"
Answer from Bigdaddio (Dr. Jim Thompson, Maumelle, Arkansas):
"i've only seen burcham play once, but it was obvious the skill set to play college ball is there. in the game i saw, burcham had NO help from his receivers and greenbrier was badly outcoached. ...i believe those are the reasons he's been labeled "a sleeper". you get him at an elite camp and away from that situation and suddenly he's on everybody's radar. alabama has been on to burcham for a while, and i'm sure saban knew the cat was about to get out of the bag and he wanted to get a last word in to neal before lots of others wanted his ear. ...i believe the only reason arkansas and alabama haven't officially offered burcham is his physical development and both want a leader with a dynamic personality who will dominate a locker room. from what i understand, neal is more of a quiet guy. if burcham can show a more aggressive leadership role on the field this year along with some weight room improvement, that'll seal the deal with the sec schools."
Read more: http://www.arsportstar.proboards.com...#ixzz1T2IacfqU
re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
Hey, I was just looking at that. It was on here about 3:40, yesterday afternoon. Point of me saying so is, "You've gotta be quick around here". Cool story, you'll have to tell me how it ends sometime.:BigA:RTR!!:BigA:
Hey, I was just looking at that. It was on here about 3:40, yesterday afternoon. Point of me saying so is, "You've gotta be quick around here". Cool story, you'll have to tell me how it ends sometime.:BigA:RTR!!:BigA:
re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
And I hope to see Neal in Razorback red as opposed to Crimson red. But I'll say this, if Bama were to sign Neal, and if Neal became Bama's starter, I'd be pulling for Bama against my beloved Hogs. That is how much I think of Neal.
And no doubt that you guys are quick to the punch.
I'm a Hog fan thru & thru, Bama'sTide, and I'm 52 years old, born and bred Arkansan.
And I hope to see Neal in Razorback red as opposed to Crimson red. But I'll say this, if Bama were to sign Neal, and if Neal became Bama's starter, I'd be pulling for Bama against my beloved Hogs. That is how much I think of Neal.
And no doubt that you guys are quick to the punch.
Re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
I write a game article for the Neal Burcham's Greenbrier Panther games on Fearlessfriday.com. Here is a couple from, last season that a few folks got a kick out of>
"The Greenbrier Panthers have disassembled Huntsville by a score of 49-13.
I was not able to make the two hour trek to Huntsville to watch the game, but my sister at the Pentagon kept me updated....
Here is how it all went down for the mighty mighty Panthers>
#12 Neal "Cape Canaveral" Burcham launched the football for over 7,000 nautical miles. An opposing linebacker inadvertently stepped in the path of a Cape Canaveral hydrogen powered rocket. Officials have discontinued the search for the linebacker's left arm, as it is now believed to have been vaporized.
#27 Hunter "Alien vs. Predator" Winston skewered and skinned about two dozen well armed but nonetheless hapless earthling defenders. He has been put in charge of passing out snacks for the bus ride home.
#73 Big Paul "Steamroller" Easely paved a new parking lot down the middle of the field, made out of anything that was wearing a different color uniform than him.
#35 Trent "Sticky Fingers" Virden delighted the crowd with his best impersonation of "The Flying Blue Glue Man." Four of his teammates were seen stuck to him as he boarded the bus home.
#24 Reid "Wide Open" Cone was last tracked by radar approximately 65 miles north of the Huntsville High School stadium traveling 8 feet off the ground on a steady course at 105 miles per hour. Officials in Missouri have been alerted to turn Wide Open back at the state line and point him on a southeast heading towards Greenbrier. He should be home in bed about an hour before the team bus gets back.
#10 Scott "Thunderfoot" Cavin busted/broke 6 more footballs. If he ever invites you to a rear end kicking contest, take my word for it and say no... That is about the only thing I can tell ya'll about tonight's Huntsville vs Greenbrier game with 100% certainty.
It's a great era to be a Greenbrier Panther!"
Dr. SwineSmeller
Greenbrier Launches Titan Missles on Huntsville
I write a game article for the Neal Burcham's Greenbrier Panther games on Fearlessfriday.com. Here is a couple from, last season that a few folks got a kick out of>
Greenbrier Launches Titan Missles on Huntsville
« on: October 01, 2010, 10:52:50 PM »"The Greenbrier Panthers have disassembled Huntsville by a score of 49-13.
I was not able to make the two hour trek to Huntsville to watch the game, but my sister at the Pentagon kept me updated....
Here is how it all went down for the mighty mighty Panthers>
#12 Neal "Cape Canaveral" Burcham launched the football for over 7,000 nautical miles. An opposing linebacker inadvertently stepped in the path of a Cape Canaveral hydrogen powered rocket. Officials have discontinued the search for the linebacker's left arm, as it is now believed to have been vaporized.
#27 Hunter "Alien vs. Predator" Winston skewered and skinned about two dozen well armed but nonetheless hapless earthling defenders. He has been put in charge of passing out snacks for the bus ride home.
#73 Big Paul "Steamroller" Easely paved a new parking lot down the middle of the field, made out of anything that was wearing a different color uniform than him.
#35 Trent "Sticky Fingers" Virden delighted the crowd with his best impersonation of "The Flying Blue Glue Man." Four of his teammates were seen stuck to him as he boarded the bus home.
#24 Reid "Wide Open" Cone was last tracked by radar approximately 65 miles north of the Huntsville High School stadium traveling 8 feet off the ground on a steady course at 105 miles per hour. Officials in Missouri have been alerted to turn Wide Open back at the state line and point him on a southeast heading towards Greenbrier. He should be home in bed about an hour before the team bus gets back.
#10 Scott "Thunderfoot" Cavin busted/broke 6 more footballs. If he ever invites you to a rear end kicking contest, take my word for it and say no... That is about the only thing I can tell ya'll about tonight's Huntsville vs Greenbrier game with 100% certainty.
It's a great era to be a Greenbrier Panther!"
Dr. SwineSmeller
Greenbrier Launches Titan Missles on Huntsville
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Re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
Another of last year's game recaps>
[HR][/HR]"Tonight on 103.7 FM The Buzz, on the pregame(s) show with Barry Grooms and Randy Rainwater, Barry Grooms (of Hooten's Arkansas High School Football Magazine), said that Greenbrier's Neal Burcham was Arkansas' best junior player and the state's #1 prospect in the class of 2012, and tonight against the Alma Airedales, Burcham showed that Barry Hooten knows his high school football players, as Burcham led the Greenbrier Panthers to a 48-23 whipping of the Airedales.
Burcham went 27 of 37 through the air for 339 yards, with 3 touchdown passes and 1 interception. He also rushed 4 times for 20 yards and 1 touchdown. His passing stats included some beautifully thrown downfield go routes.
Greenbrier fumbled the opening kickoff, and again fumbled on their next possesion, giving the Airedales great field position twice to start the game, but the Panther defense held strong, allowing only 3 points to Alma on those opening two possessions. From there on, it was all claws, as the Panthers quickly opened a 14-3 lead with their next two possessions, going 95 yards in two plays in the first of those two, as Burcham hit Hunter Winston on a go route 40 yards from scrimmage down the left sideline, and Hunter took it the rest of the way to the end zone for a 90 yard pass play. The first half ended with Greenbrier leading 28-10.
The Airedales tried to make a game of it as they came out and scored on their first drive in the second half, pulling to within 28-16. But that was as close as they would get, as Winston relentlessly shredded the Airedale defense in the second half. Winston finished with 16 rushes for 151 yards and two TD's, and caught 5 passes for 161 yards and two TD's. That with a still sore knee.
Greenbrier travels to Greenwood next week for what will be the tell tale game of the season for both teams. The game will be aired live on Channel 42. One has to give Greenwood the slight edge being at home, but the Panthers have their claws sharpened, and if Cape Canaveral Burcham and Alien vs Predator Winston remain on their game, it could be a thundering night on the Greenwood launch pad."
Dr. SwineSmeller
Greenbrier Panthers Sink Their Claws Into the Alma Airedales
If Burcham remains a Bama topic, I'll post the game articles here too when the season begins so you guys can keep up with his progress.
Another of last year's game recaps>
Greenbrier Panthers Sink Their Claws Into the Alma Airedales
« on: October 23, 2010, 12:25:10 AM »[HR][/HR]"Tonight on 103.7 FM The Buzz, on the pregame(s) show with Barry Grooms and Randy Rainwater, Barry Grooms (of Hooten's Arkansas High School Football Magazine), said that Greenbrier's Neal Burcham was Arkansas' best junior player and the state's #1 prospect in the class of 2012, and tonight against the Alma Airedales, Burcham showed that Barry Hooten knows his high school football players, as Burcham led the Greenbrier Panthers to a 48-23 whipping of the Airedales.
Burcham went 27 of 37 through the air for 339 yards, with 3 touchdown passes and 1 interception. He also rushed 4 times for 20 yards and 1 touchdown. His passing stats included some beautifully thrown downfield go routes.
Greenbrier fumbled the opening kickoff, and again fumbled on their next possesion, giving the Airedales great field position twice to start the game, but the Panther defense held strong, allowing only 3 points to Alma on those opening two possessions. From there on, it was all claws, as the Panthers quickly opened a 14-3 lead with their next two possessions, going 95 yards in two plays in the first of those two, as Burcham hit Hunter Winston on a go route 40 yards from scrimmage down the left sideline, and Hunter took it the rest of the way to the end zone for a 90 yard pass play. The first half ended with Greenbrier leading 28-10.
The Airedales tried to make a game of it as they came out and scored on their first drive in the second half, pulling to within 28-16. But that was as close as they would get, as Winston relentlessly shredded the Airedale defense in the second half. Winston finished with 16 rushes for 151 yards and two TD's, and caught 5 passes for 161 yards and two TD's. That with a still sore knee.
Greenbrier travels to Greenwood next week for what will be the tell tale game of the season for both teams. The game will be aired live on Channel 42. One has to give Greenwood the slight edge being at home, but the Panthers have their claws sharpened, and if Cape Canaveral Burcham and Alien vs Predator Winston remain on their game, it could be a thundering night on the Greenwood launch pad."
Dr. SwineSmeller
Greenbrier Panthers Sink Their Claws Into the Alma Airedales
If Burcham remains a Bama topic, I'll post the game articles here too when the season begins so you guys can keep up with his progress.
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Re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
Neal Burcham's stats against 6A class Benton last season. Grenbrier is a classification lower than Benton. Greenbrier is 5A.. I wrote this article at Hogville.net back in September 2010. The thread is still on the front page of the "Recruiting Board" and has garnered 18,000+ views. I go by the user name of "AdriAnn" (my wife's name) at Hogville.net because about 5 years ago, "Dr. SwineSmeller", was banned for having a difference of opinion than that of an overzealous moderator. "Dr. SwineSmeller" is a member of near 100 message boards. >>
"Class 5A Greenbrier battled toe to toe with class 6A Benton and pulled off a hard fought 34-20 road win, giving Greenbrier a 3-0 start on the season, much behind the arm of standout junior QB Neal Burcham, and the rushing and receiving strengths of senior Hunter Winston.
Burcham was 27 of 40 through the air for 344 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Neal also completed a pass for a two point conversion. Of those statistics, Burcham had 6 passes dropped by his receivers and he threw 2 passes away. Burcham was not sacked in the game, often avoiding the rush with his tricky backdoor spin move, then most often finding a receiver while on the run...."
Dr. SwineSmeller
Greenbrier QB Neal Burcham
Neal Burcham's stats against 6A class Benton last season. Grenbrier is a classification lower than Benton. Greenbrier is 5A.. I wrote this article at Hogville.net back in September 2010. The thread is still on the front page of the "Recruiting Board" and has garnered 18,000+ views. I go by the user name of "AdriAnn" (my wife's name) at Hogville.net because about 5 years ago, "Dr. SwineSmeller", was banned for having a difference of opinion than that of an overzealous moderator. "Dr. SwineSmeller" is a member of near 100 message boards. >>
"Class 5A Greenbrier battled toe to toe with class 6A Benton and pulled off a hard fought 34-20 road win, giving Greenbrier a 3-0 start on the season, much behind the arm of standout junior QB Neal Burcham, and the rushing and receiving strengths of senior Hunter Winston.
Burcham was 27 of 40 through the air for 344 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. Neal also completed a pass for a two point conversion. Of those statistics, Burcham had 6 passes dropped by his receivers and he threw 2 passes away. Burcham was not sacked in the game, often avoiding the rush with his tricky backdoor spin move, then most often finding a receiver while on the run...."
Dr. SwineSmeller
Greenbrier QB Neal Burcham
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Re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
One other note>
Neal's tallest receiver last season was 6' 0" and ran only a 4.5/40 time. The same holds true this season.
Neal has an officially calculated 95% accuracy rating as a passer. He has a highly deceptive spin move from the pocket that leaves the first break thru pass rusher running right on by grabbing for air. He has long arms with an exceptionally quick release and great field vision, and he throws extremely accurate on the run as well. With Neal being a top ten basketball prepster in Arkansas, while playing point guard, I don't have to tell you that he is very quick indeed.
One other note>
Neal's tallest receiver last season was 6' 0" and ran only a 4.5/40 time. The same holds true this season.
Neal has an officially calculated 95% accuracy rating as a passer. He has a highly deceptive spin move from the pocket that leaves the first break thru pass rusher running right on by grabbing for air. He has long arms with an exceptionally quick release and great field vision, and he throws extremely accurate on the run as well. With Neal being a top ten basketball prepster in Arkansas, while playing point guard, I don't have to tell you that he is very quick indeed.
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re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
I appreciate the information. He sounds like a good kid in addition to being a fine QB.
I appreciate the information. He sounds like a good kid in addition to being a fine QB.
re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
Doc, thanks for dropping by. We hope you'll soon have reason to visit regularly over the next few years.
Doc, thanks for dropping by. We hope you'll soon have reason to visit regularly over the next few years.
re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
Before he showed out at the Elite 11? Tell ME Saban don't know talent! Ha ha...
Before he showed out at the Elite 11? Tell ME Saban don't know talent! Ha ha...
re: QB Neal Burcham Updates
Agreed.
Saban knew about Neal when Neal was in the ninth grade. Neal was getting Bama mail by the middle of his sophomore season. As a sophomore, Neal was named the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Super sophomore QB of the year. If you have good long range radar, like Saban, Neal was a sonic blip a year or two before that.
Fact is, Greenbrier has never been a football talent laden town. Not even close to being even that. The last time Greenbrier High School had even made the state playoffs was 12 years before Burcham arrived, and before that was 1986. In those days, so went the high school team, so pretty much the same went the peewee leagues. I read an erroneous report a couple of days ago that Neal didn't play football until the 9th grade. That is far from correct...
Neal started playing in peewee ball, and Greenbrier finally had a winning football team! The consensus of folks around here were instantly like, "Man, I ain't never seen a little kid throw a ball like that." He could zing it, accurately. He was tall and skinny, but he had long arms like a little Randy Jonhson. Still does.
By the 7th grade, Neal led a somewhat dismal the year before team to a perfect 7-0 record, pretty much scoring at will if the kids could hang on to the ball. The 8th grade was the same way. By the ninth grade, those sharper coaches with their radar fine tuned knew Neal was a potential gem. All you had to do is fine tune your radar to "teams that generally ain't no good, and suddenly they're really good and scoring lots of points so why is that happening" mode. Like Saban did.
The year before Neal was a sophomore in high school, the Burchamless Panthers went 1-9. The next year, in Neal's sophomore season of high school, the Panthers went 9-4, lasting until the semi-finals of the Class 5A state championships. In that post season run, Neal guided Greenbrier back from a 16 point deficit with only 6 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, to defeat Michael Dyer and his Little Rock Christian team by a score of 58-56. (If you notice by that score, if Greenbrier ever had a buck stops here defense, they'd probably never lose). Neal threw for 3600 yards in that award winning sophomore season, with not a receiver taller than 6' 0", and the Panthers offense averaged 41 points per game under hs guidance.
There is a bottom line on Neal. Keep gaining weight and muscle. He isn't gonna forget how to throw a football, so that's not a problem. Neal is one of those few talents that can transform an offense with his arm and escapability. He's done it from day 1.
Dr. SwineSmeller
Agreed.
Saban knew about Neal when Neal was in the ninth grade. Neal was getting Bama mail by the middle of his sophomore season. As a sophomore, Neal was named the Arkansas Democrat Gazette Super sophomore QB of the year. If you have good long range radar, like Saban, Neal was a sonic blip a year or two before that.
Fact is, Greenbrier has never been a football talent laden town. Not even close to being even that. The last time Greenbrier High School had even made the state playoffs was 12 years before Burcham arrived, and before that was 1986. In those days, so went the high school team, so pretty much the same went the peewee leagues. I read an erroneous report a couple of days ago that Neal didn't play football until the 9th grade. That is far from correct...
Neal started playing in peewee ball, and Greenbrier finally had a winning football team! The consensus of folks around here were instantly like, "Man, I ain't never seen a little kid throw a ball like that." He could zing it, accurately. He was tall and skinny, but he had long arms like a little Randy Jonhson. Still does.
By the 7th grade, Neal led a somewhat dismal the year before team to a perfect 7-0 record, pretty much scoring at will if the kids could hang on to the ball. The 8th grade was the same way. By the ninth grade, those sharper coaches with their radar fine tuned knew Neal was a potential gem. All you had to do is fine tune your radar to "teams that generally ain't no good, and suddenly they're really good and scoring lots of points so why is that happening" mode. Like Saban did.
The year before Neal was a sophomore in high school, the Burchamless Panthers went 1-9. The next year, in Neal's sophomore season of high school, the Panthers went 9-4, lasting until the semi-finals of the Class 5A state championships. In that post season run, Neal guided Greenbrier back from a 16 point deficit with only 6 minutes to go in the 4th quarter, to defeat Michael Dyer and his Little Rock Christian team by a score of 58-56. (If you notice by that score, if Greenbrier ever had a buck stops here defense, they'd probably never lose). Neal threw for 3600 yards in that award winning sophomore season, with not a receiver taller than 6' 0", and the Panthers offense averaged 41 points per game under hs guidance.
There is a bottom line on Neal. Keep gaining weight and muscle. He isn't gonna forget how to throw a football, so that's not a problem. Neal is one of those few talents that can transform an offense with his arm and escapability. He's done it from day 1.
Dr. SwineSmeller
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