T.J. Neal, Illini’s second-leading tackler, leaving as grad transfer

[MontereyLion]

Cubit confirmed to the Champaign News-Gazette that T.J. Neal has decided to leave the Illini and finish his player career elsewhere. The linebacker will be a graduate transfer, so he’ll be eligible to play i 2016 if he ends up at another FBS school.

With that stipulation, Neal would not be permitted to transfer to any Big Ten West school (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin); the three conference crossovers (Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers); and the two FBS schools on the non-conference schedule — North Carolina and Western Michigan.

One place to keep an eye on as a potential transfer destination? Penn State. Not only is Neal a native of McKeesport, Pa., but Tim Banks, the Illini’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach the past four seasons, left in December to become the Nittany Lions’ coordinator. PSU has also seen a pair of linebackers, Troy Reeder and Gary Wooten Jr., transfer out this month.
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...ond-leading-tackler-leaving-as-grad-transfer/

 

[StinkStankStunk]

Cubit confirmed to the Champaign News-Gazette that T.J. Neal has decided to leave the Illini and finish his player career elsewhere. The linebacker will be a graduate transfer, so he’ll be eligible to play i 2016 if he ends up at another FBS school.

With that stipulation, Neal would not be permitted to transfer to any Big Ten West school (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin); the three conference crossovers (Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers); and the two FBS schools on the non-conference schedule — North Carolina and Western Michigan.

One place to keep an eye on as a potential transfer destination? Penn State. Not only is Neal a native of McKeesport, Pa., but Tim Banks, the Illini’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach the past four seasons, left in December to become the Nittany Lions’ coordinator. PSU has also seen a pair of linebackers, Troy Reeder and Gary Wooten Jr., transfer out this month.
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...ond-leading-tackler-leaving-as-grad-transfer/

That's the type of move that would make perfect sense.

Not sure if it will happen.....and a good chance Neal will want to go someplace where he would have a good chance to start (which wouldn't be the case here).....but it is at least a reasonable thought.

Thanks for the post MLion

 

[T J]

Very interesting.

Could be the surprise of this class if he finishes at Penn Stste.

Good info MontereyLion.

 

[LeatherHelmets]

Same high school as Hudson. Neal would have a chance to start and would definitely be in the 2-deep. He has made some nice plays against us the past couple years.

 

[cjrugger]

That's the type of move that would make perfect sense.

Not sure if it will happen.....and a good chance Neal will want to go someplace where he would have a good chance to start (which wouldn't be the case here).....but it is at least a reasonable thought.

Thanks for the post MLion

How is it not the case that he would have a good chance to start?

 

[LuvDaLions]

That's the type of move that would make perfect sense.

Not sure if it will happen.....and a good chance Neal will want to go someplace where he would have a good chance to start (which wouldn't be the case here).....but it is at least a reasonable thought.

Thanks for the post MLion

Why do you think he wouldn't be able to start here? He's a very good linebacker and could definately be a started here. Lots of experience. You never know, he might be able to beat out one of the LB's we have penciled in to start next year. Also, you never know when a player might suffer an injury, so it would be great to have someone who could step in and play right away. Beside, linebacker is a pretty thin position right now.

 

[StinkStankStunk]

How is it not the case that he would have a good chance to start?

If a kid gets hurt? Sure.

But, if healthy, he isn't going to jump ahead of Cabinda/Bell/Wartman.

He would probably slot in as the 4th LBer (ahead of Cooper and Bowen). That may be good enough for him to consider PSU...or maybe not. From PSU's standpoint, he would definitely be a kid they would like to add to the roster (IMO).
But he is probably good enough to find a solid D1 program where he would be a likely starter from Day 1.....but not at PSU (barring injury)

 

[sluggo72]

I am betting he goes with his old coordinator, just seems like that's the way things work.

 

[cjrugger]

If a kid gets hurt? Sure.

But, if healthy, he isn't going to jump ahead of Cabinda/Bell/Wartman.

He would probably slot in as the 4th LBer (ahead of Cooper and Bowen). That may be good enough for him to consider PSU...or maybe not. From PSU's standpoint, he would definitely be a kid they would like to add to the roster (IMO).
But he is probably good enough to find a solid D1 program where he would be a likely starter from Day 1.....but not at PSU (barring injury)

I don't want to disparage our players but if he was here I think he'd be starting

 

[aah555]

If a kid gets hurt? Sure.

But, if healthy, he isn't going to jump ahead of Cabinda/Bell/Wartman.

(barring injury)

Impossible for any of us to project as none of us have likely seen the kid play enough to know. But, as a 5th year player who racked up over 100+ tackles at Illinois last season and received some all-conference recognition, I certainly wouldn't discount the possibility that Neal could jump Cabinda -- particularly as Cabinda is asked to move outside to accommodate Wartman-White. I would add that Neal was not only one of Illinois' best players on defense, but actually was a pretty solid recruit that was rated about as highly as Wartman-White.

Moreover, even if he's not a "starter" per se, I have no doubt that he'd be the first guy in the rotation and would likely be "starter" snaps -- as I think he'd clearly monopolize the backup minutes at both OLB spots. Either way, he'd be a huge addition IMO.

If everyone stays healthy, it would really be the first time since 2011-12 where we actually had some quality, experienced depth at the LB position -- with the fifth and sixth spot being manned by guys who actually have some experience as well (Bowen and Cooper).

 

[StinkStankStunk]

Impossible for any of us to project as none of us have likely seen the kid play enough to know. But, as a 5th year player who racked up over 100+ tackles at Illinois last season and received some all-conference recognition, I certainly wouldn't discount the possibility that Neal could jump Cabinda -- particularly as Cabinda is asked to move outside to accommodate Wartman-White. I would add that Neal was not only one of Illinois' best players on defense, but actually was a pretty solid recruit that was rated about as highly as Wartman-White.

Moreover, even if he's not a "starter" per se, I have no doubt that he'd be the first guy in the rotation and would likely be "starter" snaps -- as I think he'd clearly monopolize the backup minutes at both OLB spots. Either way, he'd be a huge addition IMO.

If everyone stays healthy, it would really be the first time since 2011-12 where we actually had some quality, experienced depth at the LB position -- with the fifth and sixth spot being manned by guys who actually have some experience as well (Bowen and Cooper).

No doubt, he'd be a nice pickup.

If it weren't for the fact that "it takes two to tango", I think he'd already have a locker set up.

Will Neal make the decision that PSU is the best option for him? THAT is the question.
Given the recent addition of his former DC, it would seem to be a reasonable shot....but certainly not a sure thing.

 

[T J]

I don't want to disparage our players but if he was here I think he'd be starting

To follow up on points others made...

Consider that Banks, his Illini co-defensive coordinator, would know exactly what Neal brings to the defense and how his talents can be maximized.

Then consider that Banks is now co-defensive coordinator at Penn State. That could be an advantage for him.

"If" there is a fit, the staff will know all the details and can share the plan with Neal.

We will see how it goes, but Neal would have game plan inputs from the defensive coordinator who is most knowledgeable regarding his abilities, if he finished his career as a Nittany Lion.

 

[Westcoast24]

That's the type of move that would make perfect sense.

Not sure if it will happen.....and a good chance Neal will want to go someplace where he would have a good chance to start (which wouldn't be the case here).....but it is at least a reasonable thought.

Thanks for the post MLion

Would he need to sit a year or would he have to get an exemption from the BIG to play right away?

 

[doctornick]

Would he need to sit a year or would he have to get an exemption from the BIG to play right away?

All grad transfers are eligible to play right away.

 

[Woodpecker]

Would he need to sit a year or would he have to get an exemption from the BIG to play right away?

Graduate transfers don't require the extra year; no exemption needed

 

[Westcoast24]

All grad transfers are eligible to play right away.

In conference as well? Lot of people here were making a big stink about Jake R and his transfer to Michigan. People saying it was the BIG doing Michigan a favor by not making the kid sit for a year. Maybe I mis understand the rule.

 

[T J]

Plus - Neal is from PA.

He might want to finish his career where his family and friends can see him, in a big time program.

Also, as a PA guy, he is well aware of Penn State as Linebacker U.

He knows that PSU just had the Defensive POY in Nassib, by letting a fifth year player shine on the big stage, in his final year as a player.

Just like Coach Franklin wanted to come home to Penn State to make his mark, so too Neal might relate to CJF's lifelong dream in the same way.

 

[Judge Smails]

 

[sluggo72]

In conference as well? Lot of people here were making a big stink about Jake R and his transfer to Michigan. People saying it was the BIG doing Michigan a favor by not making the kid sit for a year. Maybe I mis understand the rule.

My understanding, and I am sure someone will jump in and tell me how I am wrong, is the B1G has a rule about transfers within in the conference having to sit out an extra year (something along those lines) . Well the kid that wanted to transfer from Iowa to Michigan was a graduate transfer. UM needed a QB they went to the conference and basically said ,'hey the B1G transfer rule doesn't apply to Graduate Transfers, does it??' and since no one had the nerve to say, 'Transfers are transfers', and since it relieved a headache for Iowa, the B11G allowed it to happen.

 

[Woodpecker]

My understanding, and I am sure someone will jump in and tell me how I am wrong, is the B1G has a rule about transfers within in the conference having to sit out an extra year (something along those lines) . Well the kid that wanted to transfer from Iowa to Michigan was a graduate transfer. UM needed a QB they went to the conference and basically said ,'hey the B1G transfer rule doesn't apply to Graduate Transfers, does it??' and since no one had the nerve to say, 'Transfers are transfers', and since it relieved a headache for Iowa, the B11G allowed it to happen.

So precedent has been set! The conference couldn't very well deny ... oh, wait! Nevermind.

 

[mmp121]

My understanding, and I am sure someone will jump in and tell me how I am wrong, is the B1G has a rule about transfers within in the conference having to sit out an extra year (something along those lines) . Well the kid that wanted to transfer from Iowa to Michigan was a graduate transfer. UM needed a QB they went to the conference and basically said ,'hey the B1G transfer rule doesn't apply to Graduate Transfers, does it??' and since no one had the nerve to say, 'Transfers are transfers', and since it relieved a headache for Iowa, the B11G allowed it to happen.

Assuming the same rules that applied to UM taking the Iowa QB apply to PSU, then yes Neal would be able to transfer and start immediately.

If the NBC article has its facts right (can't transfer to a team in the same division / on the schedule for next year), then the Iowa QB to UM was legit, and this xfer (should it happen) would also be legit.

 

[MichaelJackSchmidt]

Cubit confirmed to the Champaign News-Gazette that T.J. Neal has decided to leave the Illini and finish his player career elsewhere. The linebacker will be a graduate transfer, so he’ll be eligible to play i 2016 if he ends up at another FBS school.

With that stipulation, Neal would not be permitted to transfer to any Big Ten West school (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin); the three conference crossovers (Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers); and the two FBS schools on the non-conference schedule — North Carolina and Western Michigan.

One place to keep an eye on as a potential transfer destination? Penn State. Not only is Neal a native of McKeesport, Pa., but Tim Banks, the Illini’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach the past four seasons, left in December to become the Nittany Lions’ coordinator. PSU has also seen a pair of linebackers, Troy Reeder and Gary Wooten Jr., transfer out this month.
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...ond-leading-tackler-leaving-as-grad-transfer/

"There's no word yet on where Neal will transfer. But if he wants to be closer to his Pennsylvania roots, there are some openings at linebacker at Penn State. Wouldn't that be a delicious coda to the Tim Beckman poaching attempt in 2012?"

 

[MaddieO]

This isn't going to be about starting vs not starting. Fact is we didn't rotate LBs last year simply because we couldn't. We had injuries and overall depth issues that prevented it. Had that not been the case, LB would have been no different than the DL as far as rotation. Bottom line is, if the kid selects PSU he will play and play a lot. Being named the starter doesn't necessarily mean more playing time than any other player. Also only takes one injury as we know to blow the whole rotation concept and be needed full time.

 

[psuro]

Assuming the same rules that applied to UM taking the Iowa QB apply to PSU, then yes Neal would be able to transfer and start immediately.

If the NBC article has its facts right (can't transfer to a team in the same division / on the schedule for next year), then the Iowa QB to UM was legit, and this xfer (should it happen) would also be legit.

It's not that he can't transfer to a team in the same division/schedule, it's that the Illinois coaches won't sign off (or whatever they have to do). It's not a hard and fast rule for everyone - but it is for this case for this kid.

 

[NittanyOpp]

He will help period. We need depth here, its not like any of our LBs right now are Parade All Americans and he can help on special teams. Plus injuries, including the one Wartman is going to try to come back from and who knows how up to speed he will be. I am all for it.

He can transfer to PSU since Illini not on schedule.

 

[AWS1022]

Cubit confirmed to the Champaign News-Gazette that T.J. Neal has decided to leave the Illini and finish his player career elsewhere. The linebacker will be a graduate transfer, so he’ll be eligible to play i 2016 if he ends up at another FBS school.

With that stipulation, Neal would not be permitted to transfer to any Big Ten West school (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Purdue, Wisconsin); the three conference crossovers (Michigan, Michigan State, Rutgers); and the two FBS schools on the non-conference schedule — North Carolina and Western Michigan.

One place to keep an eye on as a potential transfer destination? Penn State. Not only is Neal a native of McKeesport, Pa., but Tim Banks, the Illini’s co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach the past four seasons, left in December to become the Nittany Lions’ coordinator. PSU has also seen a pair of linebackers, Troy Reeder and Gary Wooten Jr., transfer out this month.
http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsport...ond-leading-tackler-leaving-as-grad-transfer/

Don't worry, the Big will make an exception for UM if they want him.

 

[GregInPitt]

Same high school as Hudson. Neal would have a chance to start and would definitely be in the 2-deep. He has made some nice plays against us the past couple years.

I agree with you. Our LB's have some talent but are not All-Conference players....yet. Some here think Bell is the next AA, and some thought he should be replaced. Same with Cabinda. Wartman-White was a good player before his injury but who knows how healthy he will be. Reeder would likely have been the 4th LB, but a more mature LB such as a 4th/5th year grad transfer could win a starting job, and at the least get lots of playing time as the 4th LB (and most years our 4th starting at least half the games due to injuries) while playing closer to home in front of big crowds...

Now, can we get a DT grad transfer or JC to add some experienced depth to the DL.........?

 

[Judge Smails]

This isn't going to be about starting vs not starting. Fact is we didn't rotate LBs last year simply because we couldn't. We had injuries and overall depth issues that prevented it. Had that not been the case, LB would have been no different than the DL as far as rotation. Bottom line is, if the kid selects PSU he will play and play a lot. Being named the starter doesn't necessarily mean more playing time than any other player. Also only takes one injury as we know to blow the whole rotation concept and be needed full time.

Huh? Bowen and Cooper played a bunch.

 

[GregInPitt]

Huh? Bowen and Cooper played a bunch.

Yea, starting LB's play more than starting DT's. But with all the injuries that occur during a season the 4th and 5th LB's get plenty of game action.

 

[dawgduice]

That's the type of move that would make perfect sense.

Not sure if it will happen.....and a good chance Neal will want to go someplace where he would have a good chance to start (which wouldn't be the case here).....but it is at least a reasonable thought.

Thanks for the post MLion

Not so sure he would not start. Our current LBs are not very good. Not saying he is any better, but we do not have a can't be replaced guy. LBU has been in a slump when it comes to LBs. I hope we get Ferns and land some studs for next year. Some years we always brought in 2-3, 4 star guys every year. We will get there soon.

 

[21Guns]

Not so sure he would not start. Our current LBs are not very good. Not saying he is any better, but we do not have a can't be replaced guy. LBU has been in a slump when it comes to LBs. I hope we get Ferns and land some studs for next year. Some years we always brought in 2-3, 4 star guys every year. We will get there soon.

Our current linebackers are damn good. Wartman-White has the potential to be all Big Ten, Cabinda will be better in his third year, and Bell is a solid, veteran linebacker.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Our current linebackers are damn good. Wartman-White has the potential to be all Big Ten, Cabinda will be better in his third year, and Bell is a solid, veteran linebacker.

Actually I think Bell is the best of the bunch.

 

[DonP74]

Actually I think Bell is the best of the bunch.

Again, we don't play Illinois next year.

 

[canuckhal]

Looks like Banks might be more successful in poaching IL players then he was poaching PSU players. Just sayin'. Wonder what Beckman thinks.

 

[canuckhal]

Huh? Bowen and Cooper played a bunch.

Might be nice if could redshirt Bowen.

 

[MaddieO]

Huh? Bowen and Cooper played a bunch.

That played because of injuries. It wasn't a rotation....it was out of necessity

 

[Pocono Lion]

Actually I think Bell is the best of the bunch.

I agree 100%. I don't even think it's that close.

 

[marshall23]

Guys this is football. People get banged up. There is plenty of playing time waiting for someone in the rotation and more if there is an injury.

 

[Judge Smails]

That played because of injuries. It wasn't a rotation....it was out of necessity

If they were regularly playing, and they were, it was a rotation.

 

[hagberg]

It's not that he can't transfer to a team in the same division/schedule, it's that the Illinois coaches won't sign off (or whatever they have to do). It's not a hard and fast rule for everyone - but it is for this case for this kid.

Like others have said, correct me if I'm wrong...

I didn't think the sign-off applied to grad transfers. The stipulation for Illinois, supposedly, is that he can't transfer to and play right away for a team on their 2016 schedule.