Rising Star: Gulliver Prep (FL) 20' DT/OG Westley Neal, Jr. (6-0, 285)

By Jerry Williamson

Class of 2020: Sophomore DT/OG Westley Neal Jr. (6'0", 285) from Gulliver Preparatory, is continuing to live up to the hype -- as a highly-praised first-team All-South Floridian in youth football via Generation Nexxt, the same pedigree that High School All-American selections -- Mark Pope (Uni. of Miami commit) and James Cook (FSU commit) once earned as eighth-graders, before taking high school by storm as freshmen.

Neal, Jr proved to be everything as advertised entering his freshman season at Gulliver Prep. The South Miami native, cracked the starting line-up for the Raiders, starting on both sides of the ball at offensive guard and defensive tackle. He earned Rising Stars "Freshman of the Week" honors, approximately four times. The massive underclassmen who sports a 3.0 weighted GPA, accepted Gulliver Prep "Rookie of the Year" award and seeing his name among upperclassmen, by earning Miami Herald's All-Dade County honorable mention. Furthermore, Westley, will would join those same nationally recognized names (Mark Pope & James Cook) mentioned above at the next level, by making Rising Stars All-South Florida Freshmen Team.

This part spring -- International School of Broward offensive coordinator experienced just how dominated the young man really was in person, compared to film. Westley registered 4 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and 3 sacks, making a strong statement of what to come over the next few years. Not to mention, not having a full calendar year of weight training competing at the varsity level. Neal, Jr. is one step away of making the USA National Football Team -- after dominating performances at local and regional football camps. The first-year track and field athlete earned 6th place in shot put and 8th place in disc for the 2A district 16 competition. Here's a freshman that deserves an early verbal offer based on academics, production (varsity) and character. His spring football game (3 sacks) along speaks volumes. Hudl: https://t.co/3daJ2KeQ43 Spring Game (3 sacks): http://www.hudl.com/video/3/8031372/592092b8176bea1018e3b396