Ball State University Athletics
It’s All Smiles for James Gilbert and Riley Neal at MAC Football Media Day
July 25, 2018 | Football
DETROIT, Mich. – It's 4th-and-1 at the goal line. What's the play call from the sidelines, run or pass?
Quarterback Riley Neal and running back James Gilbert had to answer this question at the Mid-American Conference Football Media Day at Ford Field in Detroit on Tuesday.
Both players wrote 'run' on their answer sheet. Neal then had second thoughts and added 'QB' in front of his answer.
A chuckle ensued from both players and head coach Mike Neu as they wrapped up one of their many interviews.
It was a light-hearted moment that wasn't captured very often during the 2017 season. Injuries decimated the Ball State offense a year ago, which included two of the Cardinals' top offensive weapons – Neal and Gilbert. Both played the first three games before succumbing to injuries that kept them out the rest of the season.
Looking back now, both players believe there may have been a silver lining to last year.
"Hopefully [the time off] was just as beneficial as playing as a freshman," Neal said. "It was a different experience. You see the game more from the coaches' perspective. I sat in the press box for a game or two with coach Lynch. The other games I was down on the field. I got to look at the game from a lot of different angles."
Neal, who had a leg injury, was cleared medically to begin running over winter break and has been on the road to recovery ever since. He went to a couple of different camps this summer and also spent plenty of time on campus participating in off-season workouts.
"I took it real hard, but it's over and I'm looking forward to the 2018 season," Gilbert said. "It's a different feeling being on the game field to watching it on the sidelines. I had to be a leader for my teammates, our young running back group."
Gilbert's injury was much more unusual as he suffered a hand injury that wouldn't allow him to hold a football. He would often have to meet with long-time athletic trainer Shawn Comer three times a day varying rehabilitation sessions between heat, ice and stem, and stretching exercises to work his way back to 100 percent.
Having a healthy Neal and Gilbert should provide a major boost to this year's offensive attack. Neal ranks fifth on Ball State's career passing list while Gilbert is ninth on the program's all-time rushing list.
The season opener is a little more than a month away and the look in their eyes tells you that they are both itching to get back on the playing field. Not only are Neal and Gilbert key components to the Ball State offense, but they are also very close friends.
"I still remember the first time James messaged me," Neal said. "I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into. I remember coach Lynch telling me that he was going to be the guy. I flipped on his highlight film, and he was really good. Obviously, you really want to have him on the football field. We've lived together on-and-off throughout college. He's been a good friend to have around."
"I've always had a great relationship with Riley since I met him," Gilbert said. "We have lots of good memories from living together."
With Neal and Gilbert at full health this year, Ball State has the potential to be a breakout team in the MAC. First up is a home game against Central Connecticut State on Aug. 30.
"Whatever it takes to get a win, that's why we play the game," Gilbert concluded. "I want to put some wins together and get a championship here in Detroit."
And if the MAC championship comes down to a 4th-and-1 play at the goal line, don't be surprised to see the Cardinals run the football.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
Quarterback Riley Neal and running back James Gilbert had to answer this question at the Mid-American Conference Football Media Day at Ford Field in Detroit on Tuesday.
Both players wrote 'run' on their answer sheet. Neal then had second thoughts and added 'QB' in front of his answer.
A chuckle ensued from both players and head coach Mike Neu as they wrapped up one of their many interviews.
It was a light-hearted moment that wasn't captured very often during the 2017 season. Injuries decimated the Ball State offense a year ago, which included two of the Cardinals' top offensive weapons – Neal and Gilbert. Both played the first three games before succumbing to injuries that kept them out the rest of the season.
Looking back now, both players believe there may have been a silver lining to last year.
"Hopefully [the time off] was just as beneficial as playing as a freshman," Neal said. "It was a different experience. You see the game more from the coaches' perspective. I sat in the press box for a game or two with coach Lynch. The other games I was down on the field. I got to look at the game from a lot of different angles."
Neal, who had a leg injury, was cleared medically to begin running over winter break and has been on the road to recovery ever since. He went to a couple of different camps this summer and also spent plenty of time on campus participating in off-season workouts.
"I took it real hard, but it's over and I'm looking forward to the 2018 season," Gilbert said. "It's a different feeling being on the game field to watching it on the sidelines. I had to be a leader for my teammates, our young running back group."
Gilbert's injury was much more unusual as he suffered a hand injury that wouldn't allow him to hold a football. He would often have to meet with long-time athletic trainer Shawn Comer three times a day varying rehabilitation sessions between heat, ice and stem, and stretching exercises to work his way back to 100 percent.
Having a healthy Neal and Gilbert should provide a major boost to this year's offensive attack. Neal ranks fifth on Ball State's career passing list while Gilbert is ninth on the program's all-time rushing list.
The season opener is a little more than a month away and the look in their eyes tells you that they are both itching to get back on the playing field. Not only are Neal and Gilbert key components to the Ball State offense, but they are also very close friends.
"I still remember the first time James messaged me," Neal said. "I didn't quite know what I was getting myself into. I remember coach Lynch telling me that he was going to be the guy. I flipped on his highlight film, and he was really good. Obviously, you really want to have him on the football field. We've lived together on-and-off throughout college. He's been a good friend to have around."
"I've always had a great relationship with Riley since I met him," Gilbert said. "We have lots of good memories from living together."
With Neal and Gilbert at full health this year, Ball State has the potential to be a breakout team in the MAC. First up is a home game against Central Connecticut State on Aug. 30.
"Whatever it takes to get a win, that's why we play the game," Gilbert concluded. "I want to put some wins together and get a championship here in Detroit."
And if the MAC championship comes down to a 4th-and-1 play at the goal line, don't be surprised to see the Cardinals run the football.
For the most up-to-date news on the Ball State football team, please follow @BallStateSports, @BallStateFB and @BSUCoachNeu.
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