Name: Chris Neu
School: RPI
Position: OT
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 300

Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?

Individually, I wanted to accomplish two things: To be an All-American heading into my senior season, but more importantly, to be the best mentor I could be for the underclassmen, offensive linemen that I would be leaving behind. As a team, I wanted to make it back to the postseason, and go further than the first round, playoff exit we had the year before. I can happily say that this was by far the most successful team in over a decade; including a trip to the Elite Eight as well as being named an All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and the Associated Press. I attribute all of this success to the incredible effort of everyone on the team including myself, as well as growing and developing into a strong leader for others to emulate.

Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?

My coaches would say that I am an excellent teacher and mentor to my teammates, and would probably joke around and say I’m like another assistant coach for the offensive line. My goal is always to get my teammates better while also progressing personally as well.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

There are three areas that I look at, for both practices and games, to improve my game: I first check to validate whether I went to my correct assignment on that particular play, I then take a look at my first three steps to determine if I over- or under-stepped to get to my assignment, and lastly, I check my hand placement on the defender to see if they are in the correct location to properly handle him.

Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?

I believe that moving inside to a guard or center gives me a significant advantage over other players because of my inherent athletic ability that I possess playing at tackle for years. I have above-average power in my hands and legs, and I am very good at making quick adjustments on the fly thanks to my good feet and agility skills.

Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?

I have already started my preparation many weeks ago; lifting 5 days a week and incorporating combine-related exercises into my regimen in order to maximize my strength and explosiveness. I have also begun to seek professional assistance in my positional work as well as my speed training in order to prepare me for those events during my pro day.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

I have a very good grasp of the game of the football, and am very quick in making split-second, in-game decisions on the field. I am very athletic from having a multi-sport background which means I can do things on the field that most people are not able to do. My mental dexterity is also something that I regard highly because it means that I am not going to break when obstacles get thrown in my way, and I will strive to constantly be the best version of myself.

Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

I would consider myself a hidden gem because playing Division III football does not mean that I cannot play with bigger and better competition. I have the all the tools that one needs to excel at the next level; I only ask that I get the opportunity to showcase my talents and skills to show why I deserve to be on a professional football field, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get there.