Running back Donovan McNeal contributed immediately for North Central College as a true freshman last season, although his stats may have been deceiving.

McNeal rushed for 458 yards and two touchdowns for the NCAA Division III national champion Cardinals, but the 2024 Warren graduate was the team’s fourth running back. Most of his action came in the second half of games that were all but decided.

“I made all my money at the end,” McNeal said. “I was able to take advantage of it. I treat every carry like it’s my last carry. I had to take advantage of those five or six seconds.”

The CCIW took notice, naming McNeal the offensive first-year student-athlete of the year.

“He ended up in a backup role being near the top of the CCIW in stats for rushing, which was kind of funny,” NCC coach

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