Free Preview: Eric McNeal Future Star

One of the purest of plums that the Bruins signed last February was 1s-team All-America performer Eric McNeal (6-4, 205, 4.5).

McNeal was a standout performer from Gardena (Calif.) Serra and his Bruin ties run deep. McNeal has excellent bloodlines; his mother was a played rugby for the Bruins.

Bruin fans were treated to what may be in store for Bruin opponents with a solid four tackle effort in the North-South Shrine all-star game last Saturday evening.

McNeal was outstanding as a senior for Serra as he was selected all-CIF, all-state and all-league after racking up 80 tackles, seven picks, six tackles for losses, four fumbles caused (can you say big hitter?) and two fumble recoveries.

UCLA won this recruiting battle early over ASU and Washington.

“It wasn’t really because my Mom and Dad attended the school,” McNeal said. “UCLA offered me the best opportunity for a great education and a chance to get on the field early.”

“I’ve been working out hard in the weight room, doing grass drills and back peddling,” McNeal said. “The UCLA coaches want me to be ready to play. They don’t want me to redshirt.”

Major Bruin target Bruce Davis (6-4, 225, 4.7) from Houston (Texas) Clear Creek is a lifelong friend of McNeal’s. McNeal’s Mom and Davis’ Mom are best friends.

“I’ve known Bruce my whole life,” McNeal said. “I think Bruce will join me at UCLA.”

“I am looking forward to the whole college experience,” McNeal said. “I can’t wait to start playing football, learning more about football from the coaches and to start attending classes.”

“Just playing at the next level has me pumped,” McNeal said.

This is what BruinBlitz had to say about the talented Mr. McNeal in our LOI wrap-up:

Safety Eric McNeal (6-2, 191, 4.45) from Gardena (Calif.) Serra looks to be the next superstar safety in a long line of superstar safeties for the Bruins. Eric was selected All-CIF, All-Area and All-League after collecting 80 tackles, seven picks, six tackles for loss, four fumbles caused and two fumbles recovered.

McNeal is still growing and if he gets bigger he could grow into a linebacker.

Either way, the Bruins get a stud athlete here…

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