Jackson's McNeely makes plans to play football for Arkansas

Jackson High School senior Tyler McNeely has made an oral commitment to play football at Arkansas State University, Jackson coach Carl Gross said Wednesday night.

McNeely, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound defensive end, was a three-time all-conference player. He also played tight end for the Indians.

As a senior, McNeely made 62 tackles with 21 behind the line of scrimmage. He forced a fumble, recovered two and blocked two punts. He also caught 20 passes on offense.

"He's been a big-time player for us for three years," Gross said.

Arkansas State, located in Jonesboro, Ark., is an NCAA Division I school playing in the Sun Belt Conference.

High school football players may sign letters of intent in the period beginning next Wednesday.