Neal Barlow
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock, AR)
Barlow is the 14th prospect to commit to KU
The Skinny
The Pulaski High School star choose KU over Missouri and Arkansas.
Pros
Red Zone Threat: Barlow's height (6'6) creates a mismatch anywhere on field but from the 20 yard line going in, you can forget about it. Aside from stating the obvious (height mismatch), Barlow is also extremely athletic and has the ability to stop on a dime and attack the football at its highest point, making him virtually un-coverable in the red zone.
Downfield Threat: The reasons Barlow excels in the red zone are the same reasons he excels as a deep threat and to top it off, he runs a 4.5 40 yard dash. His speed allows him to stretch the field and because he is so tall, even if he is covered, a QB can feel comfortable throwing him a jump ball; nine times out of ten he will win. He bails QBs out of trouble and instead of taking a sack they can just throw it up to him.
Size: It is becoming redundant, but Barlow's size is his biggest allied. His other strengths are only possible because of size. Standing at 6'6 190, Barlow is physically ready to enter the college game and push for time.
Cons
Competitiveness: In this context, Barlows willingness to do what it takes to win is not in question but Barlow does however takes plays off. On the back side of a run play or on pass plays not directed to him, he often does what coaches call a "loaf". If the ball is not in his hands, he is often not in the picture. In high school a player can get away with this but in the Big 12, that can be a costly mistake. This is however, an easily correctable mistake.