Linebacker Recruit Lewis Neal Commits To Ohio State

Lewis Neal, a defensive end recruit, has committed to Ohio State University according to Keith Niebuhr. Neal stars for Wilson (NC) Hunt High School. He stands 6'2 and weighs in at 235 pounds. Neal claims offers from Clemson, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina and Tennessee.

As one might expect from his measurables and position, Neal is a good pass rusher. I had previously only seen Neal's sophomore highlight film, which though impressive probably doesn't warrant Ohio State taking his commitment. Neal's junior tape is considerably better than what I remember of his sophomore film, however.

Neal is probably not the 6'3 some sites list him at, but he does use his height to his advantage. Neal ducks under blocks like defensive ends in the Robert Mathis mold. His 40 time might not be impressive, but Neal looks quite quick on film, and I am willing to bet that his 10-yard spit is very good. Neal also shows some strength in his highlight tape, which reminds me of recent South Carolina defender Melvin Ingram. There's a chance Neal will play in a two-point stance.

Update: Luke Zimmermann of Ohio State site Land Grant Holy Land has learned that Neal is being recruited to play linebacker at Ohio State. That is to what I was referring with the "two-point stance" comment in the above paragraph.

Neal is the 13th commitment of the 2013 Ohio State recruiting class and the second of the day, joining fellow defensive end Joey Bosa.

For more on Buckeyes football, visit Ohio State blog Land Grant Holy Land, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Cleveland.