Reggie – the New York Yankee – was Mr. October. Reggie – the Lufkin Panther – was Mr. October and November and December. He became the Aggies’ flagship signee in February, as well.

In leading Lufkin to the Class 5A Division II state title, quarterback Reggie McNeal built an East Texas legend that blossomed right alongside the exploits of the "Tyler Rose" almost three decades ago.

McNeal, who was the Aggies’ top recruiting target in 2002, has been the elusive and strong-armed type of quarterback that has been so elusive for Texas A&M coach R.C. Slocum to finally corral.

But McNeal and his family fell for Aggieland early on, and naturally, Slocum was all smiles when he described his newest quarterback addition.

"I’m very pleased with the signing of Reggie McNeal," Slocum said. "Because he was such a high-profile player, it’s been very difficult all fall with people asking about him and talking about him. And now I can talk about him. I’m very proud he’s coming to A&M."

McNeal was ranked as the nation’s top athlete by Rivals100.com, but his future seems sealed at quarterback. After all, the 6-3, 190-pounder passed for 2,385 yards and rushed for 856 yards in a 15-1, championship season. As a three-year quarterback starter at Lufkin, McNeal passed for 5,935 yards and 64 touchdowns in his career.

But it was in Lufkin’s run to the state title in 2001 that cemented McNeal into the all-time annals of Texas high school football. He brought the Panthers back from deficits four times in six playoff games. And after injuring his ankle in the first quarter against Austin Westlake in the championship game, McNeal rallied Lufkin from 21-3 down to claim an electric, 38-24 win before a raucous crowd at the Astrodome.

"During the playoffs, he did what great ones have the ability to do," Lufkin coach John Outlaw said, "and that’s go to a completely different level. He played in 50-something football games in four years. He’s been involved in a lot of big games. If a kid hasn’t ever been there before, a kid may not be as confident as he is."

McNeal is a four-sport athlete, who finished third in the Class 5A state 100 meters last spring. And he’s never spent much time in the weight room, according to his high school coach.

It hasn’t seemed to matter, as McNeal’s 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash and rocket arm have propelled him to the top of the national high school charts.

"He can get better when he just does one thing," Outlaw added. "We’ve never had him in the weight room more than a month at the most at any time in four years. He is (skinny). He’s one of those guys who is never going to be super big. He’s not going to be more than 200 pounds. He can get better lower body strength, but he’s not going to be a 225-pound kid."

Slocum hinted at his Signing Day press conference that McNeal will have every opportunity to jump into the quarterback fray, even with three upperclassmen – including senior Mark Farris – already on the depth chart. Outlaw says maybe the Aggies – the coaches and fans – should preach patience with this talented quarterback.

"I don’t think there’s any question (he can play early)," Outlaw said. "My personal hope is they don’t have to have him play early. I really think that’s the best for all kids if they can get a redshirt year. I know they’ve got the Farris kid coming back, and surely they have someone who can back him up. Most kids want to play. But maturity-wise and with just a year more, it makes you that much better."

– Homer Jacobs