DeAndre Neely is a builder.
Consider the Grayslake North senior’s college plans. He wants to study fashion design, business and architecture.
“I like designing things and building things,” Neely said. “Before I started playing sports, I wanted to have my own clothing line.”
When the football team needed a new coach this year, he participated in the interview process, asking questions and providing guided tours around school.
Grayslake North’s new coach, Brian Johnson, recalled that Neely spoke to him frequently about accountability and how that should be a cornerstone of the program.
The way Neely sees it, Johnson set himself apart.
“I’m very specific in what I like in a coach and what I like in a team, and as they were interviewing him, he was straightforward and honest, he had everything planned out, and I liked that,” Neely said.
“I liked how he said the first thing he wanted to do is have a meeting with our parents. A lot of coaches are football, football, football. But he cared about the players and what was going on outside of our football lives.”
Now Neely is in a position to help Johnson build a winner. The 5-foot-10, 150-pounder will play wide receiver and also will get some touches coming out of the backfield. He’ll play safety, too, and he’ll return punts and kickoffs.
Keeping busy is nothing new for Neely, a four-sport athlete who started his high school career at Warren. He wrestles during the winter season, and in the spring he plays baseball and competes in track and field. He made his debut in the triple jump earlier this year.
Neely played primarily on defense last season, but Johnson is looking forward to having him line up on offense on a regular basis. Grayslake North’s season begins with a game at Vernon Hills on Friday
“I think he understands the game of football so well and will be on so many formations,” Johnson said. “He’s a quick player and runs excellent routes. He’s the type of kid that when the game is on the line, you want the ball in his hands because something special is going to happen.”
Johnson expects Neely to excel at safety too.
“He’s able to cover a lot of the field,” Johnson said. “He’ll probably play either one of those in college. He’s really strong for his size and a good tackler. He’s your prototypical high school player.”
Neely also is a team leader, according to sophomore defensive back Cameron Bates, another four-sport athlete.
“He really does a great job of leading with his actions,” Bates said. “He’s a great player, and everyone wants to emulate him. He has the character to lead the team and really lead us far.”
Gregg Voss is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.
Team: Grayslake North.
2021 record: 3-6.
Offensive leaders: Jacob Donohue, senior, quarterback; Nik Green, senior, center; DeAndre Neely, senior, wide receiver.
Defensive leaders: Nate Alfaro, senior, linebacker; Zion Hodges, senior, linebacker; Michael Jefferson Jr., senior, cornerback.
X-factor: Mario Vizzini, senior, offensive guard/nose guard.