Courtesy of The Houston Chronicle
Texas A&M defensive tackle Spencer Nealy has served up healthy doses of leadership and laughs during his final season with the Aggies. Photo: Dave Martin, STF / AP
COLLEGE STATION - Texas A&M defensive lineman Spencer Nealydelivers hits, one-liners and good times daily. But the jovial senior is most proud of whom he delivered to Aggieland two years ago: quarterback Johnny Manziel.
"I don't want to, but I have to take credit for it," Nealy said, breaking into the wide grin typically adorning his friendly face. "I did what a real good host should do, and we ended up stealing him from Oregon. Now look at him."
Manziel is a favorite to become the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. Nealy played host to Manziel, then an Oregon commitment, two years ago on a recruiting visit - and the rest is history.
"When we build him a statue, I expect maybe a plaque at the bottom," said Nealy, before revising his request. "Or maybe a side statue of my face right next to him."
If that happens, some fans wandering by the bust will wonder why A&M has also paid tribute to the late, oft-great comedian Chris Farley. The two bear a striking resemblance - only Farley never inspired a team to an upset of the No. 1 team in the nation on the road.
That was a stunner, providing another example of Nealy's own super humor.
Following A&M's 29-24 defeat of then-top ranked Alabama on Nov. 10, the team gathered for the Aggie War Hymn. Later, Nealy saw a picture of himself from that epic moment.
"And I said, 'Who said I was undersized? Look at that gut right there,' " he said, chuckling.
Heart bigger than self
Nealy, (6-5, 280) actually is undersized for a Southeastern Conference defensive tackle - a position he agreeably shifted to from defensive end prior to this season in an effort to help a thin line any way he could. While players like Manziel and receiver Ryan Swope earn headlines for outstanding play, the Aggies wouldn't be 9-2 without the efforts of Nealy, a big-hearted soul and a rock a new coaching staff quickly found it could lean on.
For leadership - and for laughs.
"Spencer is one of those guys college football is all about," A&M coach Kevin Sumlin said. "I don't know how he does it - but he does it. You wish he was bigger and faster, but don't tell him that. He thinks he's King Kong - and it's contagious."
Nealy, a two-year starter and four-year contributor, and his fellow seniors will sprint onto Kyle Field for the final time at 6 p.m. Saturday against Missouri.
"I'm really going to embrace that last war hymn at Kyle Field," said Nealy, choking up slightly at the thought. "I'm probably not going to be able to hold it in."
Fans expect as much. Nealy has always been the first Aggie to show his emotion following a big play - offensively or defensively.
"He's our Energizer Bunny," A&M defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said. "Every team needs a Spencer Nealy. He's been gold for us."
A&M-UT possible
Two years ago, Nealy, son of former NBA journeyman Ed Nealy, deflected a pass late against Texas in Austin, and teammate Von Miller snagged the interception and sealed the Aggies' final victory over the Longhorns. A year ago Thanksgiving, UT edged A&M 27-25 at Kyle Field in the foes' final scheduled collision.
The No. 9 Aggies have a bowl to play following Saturday's home finale - and Nealy would like nothing more than a last shot at the Longhorns the final time he slips on a No. 99 jersey.
"The way this season has gone," Nealy said with a nod, "wouldn't that be a cherry on top of this whole thing?"
brent.zwerneman@chron.com twitter.com/brentzwerneman
No comments:
Post a Comment