One of the most sought after prospects in the Midwest next year will be Durron Neal (St. Louis, Mo./De Smet Jesuit). The 6-foot-1, 185-pound wide receiver made the trek south to Florida for the Under-Armour combine that was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Neal is a two-time all-state selection and he received his first scholarship offer as a sophomore. He injured his knee near the end of the season but that didn't stop him from showing up to the combine with a goal in mind."I know people don't think we play football in St. Louis," Neal said. "It's funny. I've been here for three days and when I showed the other guys at the combine the highlights from my sophomore and junior year, they couldn't believe how good I was."A lot of guys gave me compliments. They couldn't believe how well I ran after the catch and my athletic ability. Everyone thinks we all grow up as offensive linemen. I wanted to represent St. Louis and the Midwest and show that we do have some skill players in the Midwest."Neal ran a 4.62 in the 40-yard dash. Not bad but I've seen him run faster at other combines. What was most impressive is the way Neal fought through the pain and competed from the start of the combine until the end of the 7 on 7's. Neal was recognized by the ESPN Recruiting as a top performer."That's great." Neal said. "I have a lot of respect for ESPN. I watch the Recruiting Insider every week and I have a lot of respect for all of the scouts at ESPN. To be recognized as one of the top performers is an honor."During the combine, I was peaking over at the other field where the Under-Armour All-Americans were having their skills competition. That motivated me. I want to be on that field next year. "I fought through the pain. I'm swollen a little bit right now. I wanted to prove something and I can honestly say that there wasn't a defensive back out there that could hold me. I'm very competitive. When healthy, I can run in the 4.4-4.5 range in my 40 but what separates myself from the other wide receivers is my strength and competitiveness."Which schools have offered scholarships?"I really don't keep track of that," Neal said. "My coach doesn't want me to focus on that either. I know there's a lot. Indiana, Iowa, Arkansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin have offered. "I can tell you that I'd like to play in the SEC or the Big 12. I want to go where they throw the football and I have a chance to help my team win a national championship. Like I said before, I'm very goal orientated."St. Louis is known for having the third highest murder rate in the country and we are at or near the top in that category every year. I see big-time football prospects who leave St. Louis and they are back a year later on the streets. My goal is to make something out of myself and make my family, friends and coaches proud."