Former local stars Raymond Neal and O.J. Murdock receive second chance at Division II Fort Hays State

During their high school careers, former King running back Raymond Neal and ex-Middleton receiver O.J. Murdock were two of the most talented prep football players Tampa Bay had to offer.

On and off the field problems have made their college careers more difficult, but Neal and Murdock are slated to be teammates at Division II Fort Hays State this fall.

Neal, one of the area's top running backs his freshman and sophomore seasons at King had his career cut short when he had to serve three years in prison. But last year, he resurfaced at the College of the Siskiyous in California.

"I'm more mature now," Neal said. "I think before I speak and I look at the big picture before I decide what I'm going to do. I'm looking forward to this opportunity. I know it's now or never."

Murdock was one of Tampa's top recruits and signed with South Carolina, but left there after two years and enrolled at Pearl River (Miss.) Junior College, then signed with Marshall last summer but never enrolled there. He's spent the past year taking online classes to retain his college eligibility.

"It's a big relief, but the work still isn't done," said Murdock, who will also run track at Fort Hays. "My goal is still to get to the NFL. There's nothing that I can see that would stop me besides myself. The sky's the limit. I just need to keep working hard and keep my head up."

Former Chamberlain and Middleton assistant Al McCray is the receivers coach at Fort Hays State.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Comments

[falcon fan]

Raymond your family is very proud of you. It took a lot for you to see the big picture, and to see what life is all about. We know that your going to be a good father for your daughter. There will always be people who will try to bring you down, but just put it in God's hand and there will be nothing that you cant overcome. We love you and keep up the hard work.