Transfer already big factor at Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb.—Tre Neal started all 13 games at safety for unbeaten Central Florida last year, was the team’s fourth-leading tackler and made the interception that clinched the Knights’ double-overtime victory in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

When UCF’s new coaching staff relegated him to the second team in spring practice, it was just the nudge Neal needed to look for a place where he could make the most of his final college season.

Neal landed at Nebraska as a graduate transfer, and he feels right at home.

He’s joined coach Scott Frost and the rest of the UCF staff that migrated from Orlando. Neal gets to play in a 3-4 defense he knows well, and he’s been given an opportunity to earn a starting job. He also can begin preparing for a post-football career as a dentist.

“I have to set myself up for the next 40 years,” he said.

From a football standpoint, he appears well set for the next four months.

The secondary was the Cornhuskers’ primary area of concern coming out of the spring and that unit has made the biggest improvement since Neal and other newcomers arrived.

Neal said he wasn’t afraid to let returning players know he’s out to win a job.

“It’s one of those things where I introduce myself and tell them straight up I’m here to work, I’m here to play, I’m here to make you better, I’m here to make myself better,” Neal said. “Don’t be mad because someone comes. You should embrace that challenge. They brought me in here to play. I want them to understand that first and foremost, so we can get that out of the way. If they’re out there balling and doing better than me, then they deserve to play.”

Neal has had a strong preseason camp and has provided leadership in the defensive backs’ room and on the field.