Inside Ohio State Football Recruiting with DE Prospect Lewis Neal

It has been a bizarre few weeks for North Carolina DE prospect Lewis Neal.

After attending Ohio State's spring game, Neal became the 13th member of the Buckeyes' Class of 2013. But recently, Neal de-committed from his Ohio State pledge, and this has sent the Internet blogosphere into a rage. 

Lewis took some of his time to offer his side of the story.

Why did you de-commit from your verbal commitment to Ohio State?

LN: It's too personal, I can't tell you because then it'll end up everywhere. If everyone knew the real reason, then some of the fans wouldn't be coming at me like that. Because my reason is legit, and you would clearly understand. It has nothing to do with football, trust me!

Did the offer from LSU contribute to your de-commitment?

LN: My decision was nothing to do with football so no, the LSU offer did not contribute!

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There has been a rumor making the rounds that basically says the following:

"

Rumor is that granny (who supposedly raised him) wants Neal to stay closer to home and that her word is pretty strong with him (Neal is from a smallish city in rural eastern NC).

Speculation based on that rumor is that the favorite is now Clemson. Again, just a rumor/speculation. But, if I were a betting man, I'd still put LSU's odds still below Ohio State's (and we have no reason to believe that it was a factor in him decommitting), but would lean toward him choosing a school within relatively short driving distance of his home - Clemson, UNC, and ECU is not out of the realm of possibility.

"

Is it true?

LN: That rumor is also false because my parents said distance would not matter as long as I'm happy.

Did Urban have anything to do with it; did he pull your scholarship?

LN: Urban has nothing to do with it, and Coach Meyer said that they are still wanting me.

Is OSU still high on your list?

LN: Yes

Anything else you want to say to Buckeye Nation?

LN: I will pray for the fans that are coming at me, also.

Thanks for your time, Lewis.  We pray for you to make the right decision that will be best for your future.