University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Neil McLaurin, Football and Family
8/20/2019 2:45:00 PM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - For senior receiver Neil McLaurin, his path to becoming a Golden Eagle and love of being a Golden Eagle is centered around his love for his family.
The 6'2" wide receiver is a native of Laurel, Miss. and graduated from West Jones High School. After graduation, he attended Southwest Mississippi Community College where he earned himself some recognition as a quarterback.
He spent a few months at the University of Minnesota, but it wasn't home.
"I wanted to come back closer to home after leaving Minnesota. I wanted my family to be able to see me play. They come to all the home games and it always feels good to see them in the stands."
McLaurin made the move, even though it also meant he would permanently move positions as well. As a freshman quarterback at Southwest Mississippi CC, he completed 85 passes for 964 yards and eight touchdowns. He also carried the ball 80 times for 440 yards and six touchdowns. As a sophomore, he was No. 2 in the NJCAA with 181.9 all-purpose yards per game and was also No. 5 in receiving with 86 yards per game and led the Bears with 36 receptions for 688 yards and five touchdowns on the season. At Southern Miss, he was locked in as a receiver.
"I kind of miss being a quarterback, but at receiver I've been able to see my athleticism and it's fun."
He got a little taste of his freshman flinging when he threw a pass against UAB this past season, but caught two passes for 37 yards against Auburn, and finished the season with seven grabs for 101 yards and a touchdown.
He's closer to his family in Laurel, but Hattiesburg has also produced a different kind of family for the senior.
"My favorite part about Southern Miss is my brothers; my teammates. We're becoming a family."
In stating his personal goals, he still refers back to his team.
"I expect myself to be a better player, and a healthier player so I can stay on the field and make more plays. I also want to be a better teammate. We expect a better season. We want to win Conference and win a bowl game."
When the time comes for him to cross the stage holding his diploma, he wants to be known for his leadership.
"I try to teach [the younger players] to stay focused. It's easy to give into things like not going to class, but you're going to need your education because football doesn't last forever. I tell them to keep their head up and stay focused on the field and in the classroom."
He's studying Criminal Justice at Southern Miss, but mentoring has found a home in his heart and he wants to coach now.
"When I went back home to West Jones, I was watching the younger players and I wanted to coach them and tell them how it is and show them the struggle and that they can make it to being a Division I football player."
Come watch McLaurin's leadership pay off in the Rock this season with your family just like his family will be. McLaurin and the Golden Eagles will kick off the 2019 season with Alcorn State on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6pm. Single-game and season tickets are on sale via SouthernMissTickets.com, calling 1-800-844-TICK, or visiting the Pat Ferlise Center during normal business hours.Â
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The 6'2" wide receiver is a native of Laurel, Miss. and graduated from West Jones High School. After graduation, he attended Southwest Mississippi Community College where he earned himself some recognition as a quarterback.
He spent a few months at the University of Minnesota, but it wasn't home.
"I wanted to come back closer to home after leaving Minnesota. I wanted my family to be able to see me play. They come to all the home games and it always feels good to see them in the stands."
McLaurin made the move, even though it also meant he would permanently move positions as well. As a freshman quarterback at Southwest Mississippi CC, he completed 85 passes for 964 yards and eight touchdowns. He also carried the ball 80 times for 440 yards and six touchdowns. As a sophomore, he was No. 2 in the NJCAA with 181.9 all-purpose yards per game and was also No. 5 in receiving with 86 yards per game and led the Bears with 36 receptions for 688 yards and five touchdowns on the season. At Southern Miss, he was locked in as a receiver.
"I kind of miss being a quarterback, but at receiver I've been able to see my athleticism and it's fun."
He got a little taste of his freshman flinging when he threw a pass against UAB this past season, but caught two passes for 37 yards against Auburn, and finished the season with seven grabs for 101 yards and a touchdown.
He's closer to his family in Laurel, but Hattiesburg has also produced a different kind of family for the senior.
"My favorite part about Southern Miss is my brothers; my teammates. We're becoming a family."
In stating his personal goals, he still refers back to his team.
"I expect myself to be a better player, and a healthier player so I can stay on the field and make more plays. I also want to be a better teammate. We expect a better season. We want to win Conference and win a bowl game."
When the time comes for him to cross the stage holding his diploma, he wants to be known for his leadership.
"I try to teach [the younger players] to stay focused. It's easy to give into things like not going to class, but you're going to need your education because football doesn't last forever. I tell them to keep their head up and stay focused on the field and in the classroom."
He's studying Criminal Justice at Southern Miss, but mentoring has found a home in his heart and he wants to coach now.
"When I went back home to West Jones, I was watching the younger players and I wanted to coach them and tell them how it is and show them the struggle and that they can make it to being a Division I football player."
Come watch McLaurin's leadership pay off in the Rock this season with your family just like his family will be. McLaurin and the Golden Eagles will kick off the 2019 season with Alcorn State on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 6pm. Single-game and season tickets are on sale via SouthernMissTickets.com, calling 1-800-844-TICK, or visiting the Pat Ferlise Center during normal business hours.Â
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Players Mentioned
WR
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