ACADEMIC ALL-BIG TEN (2011, 2012)
AS A JUNIOR IN 2012: Came out of the bullpen to make 16 appearances during the season ... Made season debut against West Virginia on Feb. 18, striking out two and allowing just one hit in 1.1 innings ... Struck out a season-best four batters against UNC-Greensboro on Feb. 24, where he allowed just two hits and three unearned runs in 2.1 innings ... Best relief outing came against UAB on March 9 where he threw three scoreless innings, giving up one hit and striking out one ... Earned first win against Big Ten foe Indiana on March 24, firing a scoreless 10th inning and striking out one batter ... Aided the Lions in rallying to defeat Mount St. Mary[apos]s on April 24, striking out four while allowing three hits and three earned runs.
AS A SOPHOMORE IN 2011: Ranked third on the team with 17 appearances, which also was the highest total among full-time relievers ... Pieced together three straight scoreless appearances to start the year, including a pristine frame against No. 26 Wichita State on March 18 ... Needed just five pitches to retire the side in order against Illinois on April 3 ... Picked up his first victory of the season after firing 4.1 innings of scoreless ball against Maryland on April 20 ... Surrendered just one hit and struck out four while helping the squad post a 4-2 victory against the Terrapins ... Capped off a run of three straight scoreless appearances with two perfect innings against Iowa on May 6, highlighted by three strikeouts ... Pieced together his longest outing of the season against Michigan on May 20 ... Fired 5.1 innings of work against the Wolverines, scattering three hits and just one unearned run while striking out a pair ... Made his postseason debut with 1.1 innings of relief against Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament on May 25.
AS A FRESHMAN IN 2010: Saw key innings as both a starter and out of the bullpen in first collegiate season ... Impressed in collegiate debut against Seton Hall on Feb. 27 ... Started and went six innings, allowing only two runs on seven hits while striking out two ... Earned first career win behind six strong innings against preseason top-40 Dallas Baptist on March 6 ... Allowed two runs (one earned) on only four hits in second straight quality start ... Won second career game, pitching seven innings against Hofstra (March 28) while allowing only two earned runs ... Key bullpen outing against Northwestern on April 11, tossing 1.1 hitless frames ... Tossed six strong innings, allowing four earned runs as part of team[apos]s huge 14-8 win over No. 24 Pittsburgh (April 13) ... Picked up third win of the season in five innings against Duquesne on April 20 ... Tossed 0.1 scoreless innings vs. Michigan on May 22 in season finale ... Finished with a 3-3 record and 6.85 ERA ... Fifth on the team in innings (47.1) while appearing in 13 games (eight starts); Nittany Lions were 6-2 in his starts.
HIGH SCHOOL: Multi-sport standout at West Chester East, the same school as current Nittany Lion Steve Snyder ... Were District Champions and State Semifinalists sophomore and senior years ... Participated in four sports, highlighted by four years on varsity baseball ... Also played soccer (freshman, sophomore and junior), football (junior) and diving (senior) ... Second Team All-League in soccer while also qualifying for districts in diving ... Baseball squad was 18-4 senior year in winning the district championship ... Was named a preseason Under Armour All-American ... First Team All Chest-Mont as a senior, a year after earning second team accolades ... Defensive MVP junior and senior years ... Strong in the classroom as well, making the honor roll all four years ... A member of the National Honor Society ... Also participated in the All-Star Baseball Academy.
PERSONAL: Full name is Neal Townsend Herring ... Born on October 11, 1990 in Mobile, Ala. ... Parents are Missy and Dan Herring ... Has two brothers, Christopher (32) and Jared (22) ... Majoring in finance.
ON CHOOSING PENN STATE:'I was almost 100% sure I was going to Michigan, but when I took my visit to Penn State, I knew right away that this was the place where I wanted to be. I could see myself here and the whole town being about Penn State will make for a great atmosphere for the next four years.'
GETTING TO KNOW NEAL
Major & Why: Finance because I like dealing with money and the financial side of business
Favorite Thing About Penn State: The awesome college feel wherever you go, and the combination of great athletics and a good education
Favorite Thing About Medlar Field At Lubrano Park: The Big Screen in center field - it makes it seem more like a pro stadium
Favorite Major League Baseball Player: Jacoby Ellsbury
Favorite Penn State Sport Other Than Baseball: Basketball
Favorite Athlete (Any Sport): Tom Brady
Favorite Pro Team: Boston Red Sox
Favorite Sports Broadcaster: Dick Vitale
Favorite Musical Artist: Phish
Favorite Movie: Step Brothers
Favorite TV Show: South Park
Favorite Website: ESPN.com
Favorite Food: Eggs and Waffles
Hobbies: Making/producing music, piano
Place I[apos]d Like To Visit: Europe
If I Had $1 Billion, I Would: Put most of it away, pay for all my families[apos] bills and then buy a sweet car
After Penn State, I Would Like To: Either continue my baseball career at a professional level or work for one of the main accounting firms or investment agencies