Keanu Neal, No. 42, makes a tackle against Tennessee during his junior season. (Tim Casey/UAA)
Gators safety Keanu Neal to Enter NFL Draft
Wednesday, January 6, 2016 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Keanu Neal is ready to test his bone-rattling ability at the next level.
A junior safety known for his physical style of play, Neal announced on Instagram Wednesday that he is going to pass up his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
Neal recorded a career-high 96 tackles this season, which ranked third on the team behind Antonio Morrison (103) and Jarrad Davis (98). He is the fifth UF underclassmen to declare for the draft, joining cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, defensive lineman Alex McCalister, running back Kelvin Taylor and receiver Demarcus Robinson.
The 6-foot-1, 216-pound Neal was a two-year starter for the Gators and played in 34 games. He finished his career with 146 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks.
Neal had a team-leading 11 tackles in his final game, Florida's 41-7 loss to Michigan on Friday in the Citrus Bowl.
Neal is considered one of the top safeties available in the draft, ranked second behind Florida State's Jalen Ramsey according to WalterFootball.com. Ramsey declared for the draft earlier this week.
The NFL Draft is scheduled April 28-30 in Chicago.
A junior safety known for his physical style of play, Neal announced on Instagram Wednesday that he is going to pass up his final season of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft.
Neal recorded a career-high 96 tackles this season, which ranked third on the team behind Antonio Morrison (103) and Jarrad Davis (98). He is the fifth UF underclassmen to declare for the draft, joining cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, defensive lineman Alex McCalister, running back Kelvin Taylor and receiver Demarcus Robinson.
The 6-foot-1, 216-pound Neal was a two-year starter for the Gators and played in 34 games. He finished his career with 146 tackles, four interceptions and two sacks.
Neal had a team-leading 11 tackles in his final game, Florida's 41-7 loss to Michigan on Friday in the Citrus Bowl.
Neal is considered one of the top safeties available in the draft, ranked second behind Florida State's Jalen Ramsey according to WalterFootball.com. Ramsey declared for the draft earlier this week.
The NFL Draft is scheduled April 28-30 in Chicago.
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