Ahead of the 2018 season, another UCF Knight will transfer to another institution. On July 20, Knights safety Tre Neal announced he will transfer to the Nebraska Cornhuskers under former UCF Head Coach Scott Frost.
As a starting safety on UCF’s undefeated 2017 roster, Neal tallied the fourth-most tackles (68), the second-most among the team’s original group of returnees. The rising graduate student also notched three interceptions, including a game-clinching, overtime interception against the Memphis Tigers in the 2017 American Athletic Conference Championship Game.
Neal is the second player to follow Frost to Nebraska; the first Knight to transfer to Nebraska was backup quarterback Noah Vedral.
For Neal, his primary motive for transferring revolved around his master’s program. He intends to eventually go to dental school.
“My master’s was the main reason behind my choice,” Neal told the New Day Review via Twitter on July 21. “Then, being familiar with coaching and terminology played a role also.”
The Black and Gold secondary have now lost two key players, as cornerback Mike Hughes — arguably the team’s best defensive player last season — was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 30th-overall pick in the 2018 National Football League Draft.
Hughes recorded 49 tackles and a team-high 11 passes defended while tying safety Kyle Gibson for a team-high in interceptions (four). Of his highlights from 2017, Hughes’ most famous play was, perhaps, not on defense.
In the regular-season finale against the USF Bulls, Hughes returned a kickoff with under two minutes to play to break a 42-42 tie.
That play ranks as one of Neal’s favorite memories at UCF.
“[The UCF players are] my brothers for life. We made a bond that can’t ever be broken,” Neal said. “As far as plays, I think the Memphis play…[and], of course, Mike’s return versus USF, too.”
Per NCAA graduate transfer rules, Neal will be immediately eligible to play for Nebraska in the 2018 season.
“I’m focused, I’m ready to work with the new group of guys and build the same thing we had at UCF,” Neal said. “It won’t be easy, but it’ll be fun.”
The Knights’ season officially begins on Aug. 30 when they travel to face the UConn Huskies.
For more on the Knights, as they enter the 2017 season under a new head coach, follow Anthony Abruzzo on Twitter at @abruzzo_ant.
