The band in full swing, a sea of red and blue, and a few touchdowns for the home team. The scene under the Friday night lights was something familiar for McNeill, a Spartans legend.
"It's kind of surreal being out here not playing, but it's good to see everybody here," McNeill said. "The energy is still the same. It feels good."
McNeill played linebacker at Sanderson from 2014 to 2017 before becoming a standout on the defensive line for NC State. Now, he's one of the NFL's best nose tackles.
During his time at Sanderson, the Spartans had back-to-back nine-win seasons and second-round playoff appearances during his junior and senior seasons. At NC State, McNeill was first-team All-ACC and was an AP All-America second team selection during his final season of 2021. He became the Wolfpack's first All-American at defensive tackle since 1968.
"I want to be the best at what I do. I didn't want to necessarily be the greatest, but I wanted to be the best," said McNeill.
McNeill's legacy will live on forever in the rafters of the school where it all started. During halftime, the school retired his jersey -- the first retired jersey in the school's 50-year history.
"We're really excited that he's here tonight. I know he's a hero to all these guys on the sideline. We love watching him on Sundays. I know we got a lot of the NC State Wolfpack fans at Sanderson," said David Neil, Athletic Director.
There is a sense of pride for the Spartan community; just ask current student Maddie Gibbs:
"It's really cool."
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