Devin Neal is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal running backs in the history of Kansas Jayhawks football. His yards-per-rush average is almost there to equalize Gale Sayers and Laverne Smith. He’s 550 yards away from June Henley to take the honor of scoring the most rushing yards as a Jayhawk and seven touchdowns away from reaching the most rushing touchdowns in history. On average, he’s possibly going to mark the highest total scrimmage yards and total touchdowns, if he can retain the current momentum.

All these startling stats might have lured him to know more about the talented RB of Kansas. Here’s the end of your wait. Let’s introduce the real architect behind the phenom, his parents, Freda and Ryan McPhail.

Who Are Devin Neal’s Parents?

Neal had always been a proactive kid in his childhood. While he was not sure which sport he wanted to pursue for life, he used to have fun jumping between football and baseball season at home. From that age, he gradually emerged as a leader who bears the caliber to carry a team on his shoulders. His parents have been the closest witnesses of little Devin’s awe-inspiring bloom as a class athlete and put their everything into ensuring a seamless takeoff. Recollecting his unmatched grit and determination toward his task on the field, Mom Freda said how ferociously he once played with the Lawrence Eagle during his youth football days and guided the team not to give up. ‘‘Even though he was exhausted, Devin got back up, because there were several of the players who wanted to quit. He ran with them the whole time and kept telling them not to quit” Freda noted.

The guardians out there could see a future leader brewing up that day. But as the typical implies, he doesn’t have the ego of his innate leadership quality. Father Ryan, another pillar of Devin’s life, explained how innocent, bubbly, and helping as a kid. Although their kid was far from perfect and was apt to mess things up, just like any other typical teen lad, the parents found it adorable with the right dose of discipline.

The deep care and empathy of his very attentive and loving parents helped Neal to reach the epitome of success today. But the most beautiful part is he doesn’t let it get above his head and is firmly committed to returning the favor to the community and the team.

Devin Neal the next pied piper?

Neal has lately been more chilled and fun in his approach. The Lawrence native has come a long way in his path, bagging a slew of accolades and awards to his name as a proud testament to his talent and hard work. Last year, amidst a hectic season, my peers in the locker room asked KU’s No. 1 ball carrier to be a little laid back and just enjoy the game. The star listened to his acquaintances and later noted it was the best thing he could do for himself and the team. Just letting the flow of the game intact without unnecessarily neat picking is itself a good state of being. Rather, he vested that energy into recruiting and helping the team in need.

Amidst the pandemic situation, Neal tried to bring the best talents to Lawrence. His minute knowledge and familiarity with the city and a good command over communication helped him to do that with ease and it turned out a great help. But the RB smoothly dismissed the glory, noting he didn’t do as much as recruits as a coach, he just did his little part to keep the team going.

What a great lesson of serving without the urge to be seen! Could it be otherwise than a product of a quality parenting? We don’t think so.

What’s your take on Davin Neal’s parents and their priceless influence on his life and career? Let us know in the comments.