Walter Neil talks about adjusting to new linebacker position at Kansas State By
Walter Neil is the type of football player that makes Kansas State’s defensive coaches fight.
Literally.
When K-State defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton evaluated Neil before the start of spring practice and placed him at nickelback, a hybrid position that will operate more as a linebacker than a defensive back next season, cornerbacks coach Van Malone objected and then issued a challenge. He wasn’t going to let Neil go that easily.
“We have had some arm wrestling contests for Walter,” Malone said. “He is playing nickel right now, who is coached by Scottie and works with the linebackers in the box quite often.