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15 DAYS TO 2018 KICKOFF: Walter Neil Jr.

In which BracketCat counts down the 15th day until the 2018 kickoff with a profile of defensive back Walter Neil Jr.

By BracketCat
#15 Walter Neil Jr.
Walter Neil Jr. (15) had a solid debut season in 2017 as a special teams contributor. Now, with the departure of D.J. Reed, Neil will be one of several young cornerbacks counted upon to help to fill out the rotation opposite Duke Shelley.
Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Goal No. 15: LEADERSHIP. Everyone can set the example.

#15 Walter Neil Jr.

Redshirt Sophomore | 5-9 | 170 lbs. | Lawton, Oklahoma
Walter Neil Jr.
Walter Neil Jr.
Courtesy Kansas State Athletics
  • Position: Defensive Back
  • Previous College: None
  • Projection: Second-String
  • Status: Preferred Walk-On?

Walter Donnell Neil Jr. (b. July 27, 1998) is a defensive back who sneaked under the radar in the 2016 class, despite an appearance at that year’s Rivals Camp Series. He originally was listed by many services as a walk-on, but there was a scholarship available in the class.

Neil redshirted in 2016, then worked his way onto special teams and reserve duty at defensive back as a redshirt freshman. He will compete for increased playing time in 2018.

Neil played in 11 games in 2017 and tied for fifth on the team with five special teams tackles, all coming on kickoff coverage. He totaled three defensive stops, including a tackle for loss in the season opener against Central Arkansas.

Neil lettered three years under head coach Brett Manning at MacArthur High School, where he helped the Highlanders to earn a combined 36-4 record in his three-year career, including a state championship in 2014.

He was named the 2015 Oklahoma District 5A-1 Defensive Back of the Year, was selected to play in the 2016 Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State Game and also was a state champion in track.