LAWRENCE — Before too long, Devin Neal will have a decision to make.
The junior running back has starred for Kansas football this year, just as he did the past two. Neal’s played a pivotal role in why the Jayhawks are playing in a second-straight bowl game for the first time in more than a decade. And that means that, especially for someone at his position within the current landscape of the sport, the choice between returning to college for one more season and turning pro becomes a very real one.
But if Neal is leaning one way or the other, he didn’t reveal much. As he reacted to the news that Kansas would be playing in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl on Dec. 26 in Phoenix, he spoke with an eagerness to enjoy the weeks ahead with his teammates. Whether it’s his farewell game or a chance to build momentum ahead of another Jayhawks offseason, thriving against UNLV could serve him well no matter what he ultimately decides.
“I mean, it’s definitely unique weighing all the options,” Neal said. “I haven’t made any decision either way, so just talking with different coaches, talking with my family, just praying about it. Honestly, it’s really hard. So, I have everything here, too. So, that’s one thing that’s really important to me. And I’m super excited about this month.”
Neal described the decision he’s facing as having a dream in each hand.
Let’s say it’s his right hand, that holds the dream of playing professionally in the NFL. Let’s say it’s his left hand, that holds the dream of leaving and even greater legacy than he already has for his hometown school.
Where exactly Neal would rank among the other running backs who could go in the 2024 NFL draft would not be clear until that group is finalized. He has been a regular starter across the past three seasons and rushed for more yards each year than he has the one before. He is also in the midst of back-to-back seasons with at least 1,000 yards rushing, which is something that’s only happened twice before in the history of the Kansas program.
Returning would mean Neal, who’s only missed one game across the past three seasons, would assume the risk of encountering an injury as a senior. He brought that potential up himself as he thought aloud about the pros and cons of the choice in front of him. But he also acknowledged there are things on both sides that are scary to confront, and that fear of the unknown mixes in with the excitement of what’s next.
“You’re an adult when you get to college, but now it’s moving even past that, more learning the business side of things, too, especially with the NFL,” Neal said. “So, I definitely have to — it’s a tough road to navigate, but luckily I have the right guidance in my life with my family, with the coaching staff here, too. So, I feel confident in whatever decision I make that it’s going to be the right one.”
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Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He is the National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas for 2022. Contact him at jmguskey@gannett.com or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
