Carolina… Reunited

Raeshon McNeil #8
Cornerback
Junior
6′ 0″ 187 lbs.
Mocksville, North Carolina
Wu-Name: Shaolin The Ill Figure

McNeil came to Notre Dame with the very highly touted class of 2006 along with another prospect at that position by the name of Darrin Walls. Since then, McNeil has always been overshadowed by Walls despite having a great Army All-American game and being a 4 star prospect as well.

This year is shaping up to be a big one for Raeshon. Before the news that Walls was leaving Notre Dame for the 2008 season, McNeil was figuring into mix as a nickel and dime back and was particularly intriguing as a blitzer out of the secondary. Now, McNeil must take on an even bigger role as the main competitor for Walls’ slot opposite of Terrail Lambert. He will have a lot of competition as ND is looking to still be in good shape at corner, but McNeil is at that breakout age of “Junior” and should have a lot to prove for this season and for 2009 as well.

Gary Gray #4
Cornerback
Sophomore
5’11” 185 lbs.
Columbia, South Carolina
Wu-Name: Big Baby The Grym Reaper

Gary was a big catch for the Irish for their incoming class of 2007. He was at one time a South Carolina commit, but as soon as his momma and himself reached ND’s campus he was all Irish. That statement was even bolder as he showed up to the Army All-American game with a Leprechaun carved into his hair on the back of his head.

The high hopes of Gary playing as a true freshman came to a halt in the Spring of 2007. Gary was an early enrollee in the Spring but was injured and prior to the start of fall camp, he underwent season ending shoulder surgery. He did practice with at full speed with the team in the fall and during spring practice for 2008, he was whispered to be the Fighting Irish’s best cover corner.

Gray, like McNeil, is in position for a big season after the Walls fallout. As he competes with McNeil over the starting spot on the other side of Lambert keep in mind that no matter which one of these two eventually wins the job of “starter”, they both will see ample playing time and both will be valuable assets in the Brown/Tenuta defense.