Copeland had one of the best HS tapes I have seen but at the end of the day, size wise it wasn't going to work. LSU didn't convert him, LSU was down to one FB a walkon, another player said, "JC can play FB". Next day he was in the RB meeting.
I thought it was a bad decision until I saw Copeland later next to the rest of the guys on the DL. He has an awesome first step but size was not there. Not long enough for DE and not big enough to play inside.
Neal might be in a similar situation, no real position.