Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Film
- Iowa
- BYU
Background Info
- Listed at 6-2/190 lbs.
- 3-Star recruit according to 247 Sports
- All-Big 12 Third Team in 2025
- Transferred from Iowa State to Penn State
- First-Team All-State defensive back in high school
- Missouri Defensive Player of the Year in high school
- Participated in track and field in high school
- Played defensive back and wide receiver in high school
Notable career stats heading into 2026
- 95 Tackles
- 12 Tackles for a Loss
- 2 Interceptions
- 3 Passes Broken Up
Notable numbers from PFF heading into 2026
- 72.6 Career PFF Run Defense Grade
- 63 Career PFF Coverage Grade
- 71.5 QBR allowed when targeted
Strengths
- Excellent in run support
- Used in a variety of ways from linebacker to even some defensive line assignments
- Not afraid of making plays in space, also a physical tackler
- Good closing speed on ball carriers or targets in the pass game
- Has good instincts for the ball and processing plays
Player Summary
Marcus Neal is going to be an interesting player to watch in a Penn State uniform. While the coaching staff and the way they approach things have changed, Neal is a throwback type that Nittany Lions fans should enjoy. As for his NFL prospects, Neal is a physical safety who can be used all over a defense. His change of direction skills and the force he can generate make him a difference maker for them in 2026. He could bring that same type of impact to the NFL, but we need to see more coverage ability from him.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report on Penn State’s Marcus Neal Jr.