BEAVERTON, OR. -- Josh McNeil, a consensus top-five tight end nationally, was one of the more noticeable players Saturday during the 7-on-7 portion of Nike's The Opening. After, the 6'5, 240-pound recruit out of Durham (NC) Hillside High School chatted with SB Nation about a number of topics including a top five, visit dates and what he is looking for in a school.
McNeil really seems to be enjoying his time at The Opening.
"It's a dream come true. It's just a blessing right now," he said.
McNeil added that he didn't remember the names of some of the better players he faced Saturday, and that his team is using a spread offense and that he is not getting as many looks as the tight ends on other teams.
While McNeil no longer has a leader, he does have a top five.
"Alabama, Miami, Georgia, Florida and Washington State," he said, adding that the schools were not in any order.
While McNeil cited the opportunity to play right away and NFL development at the former four schools, the connection with Washington State is based on a personal relationship.
"I was an East Carolina commitment for a while, but my recruiter coach left for Washington State. I want to give them a shot," he said.
McNeil has visited Alabama and Georgia. He plans to visit Florida and Miami in July. McNeil is slated to take an official to Washington State.
McNeil wants to make his decision at the end of July or early August. Because of his timetable, he is looking into a way to make an unofficial visit to Washington State before his decision.
McNeil is physically impressive in that he is long and athletic, but he still very much looks like a basketball player. He is very raw as a football player.
"I played basketball and haven't lifted football weights yet. That's one of my things, I gotta hit the weight room hard this summer," McNeil said.