Grad school includes football

By Sam Waller

Albany’s Dax Neece began his third football season at Abilene Christian with a different perspective on his college career.

Neece, a wide receiver, graduated with a bachelor of business administration in finance in May, then started working on an MBA in June through ACU-Dallas.

“Basically, I take one class for seven weeks, have a week off then take another class,” Neece said. “It’s all online, so it’s really not the toughest schedule for me. It’s nice to take one class at a time.”

It’s a much different academic scenario than the 2018 Albany graduate found himself in as an undergrad.

“It’s made me think more about my future after football,” he said of having his degree. “I had an opportunity to have an internship this summer working with Clint Bumgardner at his Abilene office for West Texas Appraisal. That’s something that I’ve been looking into.”

Neece’s parents, Kim Fuentes and the late Doug Neece, were both student-athletes at ACU in the 1990s.

Now, playing football is something Neece can do while reviewing his options.

“It’s nice to have my degree already and look forward to the future,” he said. “I still haven’t clearly decided what I want to do, but it’s made me think more about it.”

The Wildcats opened the season Thursday, Sept. 1 with a 28-14 victory over Lamar. Earlier in the day, Neece’s youngest brother, Bennett, played his first game with Albany’s seventh grade team.

Neece said while ACU holds graduate classes on campus in several disciplines, most of his are online.

“But it still counts as far as letting me play,” he said.

And it’s made for a much different schedule.

“From the first two classes that I’ve had, I’ve basically had three or four assignments due each week – normally two on Thursday and two on Saturday,” Neece said. “I get to do it at my apartment and don’t have to rush around. I technically don’t have to be on campus for anything except football if I don’t want to.”

That cuts out the need to maintain a class schedule.

“I like being able to do it online,” Neece said. “Taking only one class at a time means I don’t have to stress about my schedule, just focus in on one course.”

ACU entered a new era this season under head coach Keith Patterson, a former Texas Tech defensive coordinator.

Neece said the coaching change has led to other changes within the program.

“We just got a new coaching staff, so a lot of people who were on the team last year aren’t here now,” he said. “We have a little over 100 people on the team, and around 40 of them are brand new.”

Neece, who spent two seasons at Texas Tech, appearing in one game before transferring, is looking at the situation as a chance to make a fresh start.

“I’m having to compete against people more than I thought I would have because we brought in like five new receivers from FBS schools,” he said. “We have some really good players, so I have to keep that walk-on mentality of not having a solidified spot. I need to keep working every day to make my place on the team. I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job of that so far.”

Neece commented that there are about 12 receivers on this year’s team, giving the coaches lots of options.

“All of us have a chance of playing this season at some point,” he said. “I guess you could say it’s a pretty loaded room.”

One thing Neece is looking forward to under Patterson is a more explosive attack.

“I really like our new offense,” Neece said. “We’re going to throw the ball a lot. They like to spread it around and throw deep shots.”

Neece said the scheme is more up-tempo.

“I think we’re going to score a lot of points this year,” he said. “I’m pretty excited about that.”

The Wildcats have moved from the Southland Conference to the WAC, adding teams from New Mexico, Utah, and North Dakota to the schedule. The marquee game will be a visit to Missouri on Sept. 17.

“I’m just looking to do anything I can to help the team win,” Neece said. “I’m not trying to be the superstar or anything, I just want to play my role the best I can. Whether I’m on the field for 40 plays or five, I’m going to do what I can to help the team win.”

Neece said the thrill of playing the game was a major reason for his returning after graduating.

“I just get excited anytime I get to play football,” he said. “Every time football season rolls around, it’s a whole mood change. I’m just ready to get it started.”