Neukirch OK with ‘grunt work’ at ISU

Now as a junior at Illinois State, Neukirch is thriving in a new role as the team’s starting fullback.

“It’s a much different role than in high school,” Neukirch said. “There’s not a lot of recognition. But I enjoy doing the grunt work.”

Neukirch’s work has helped the Redbirds pile up nearly 190 rushing yards a game during a 4-0 start, the team’s first unbeaten record after four games since 1967.

This week, the Redbirds jumped three spots to No. 12 in the Football Championship Subdivision Coaches Poll.

“[Being undefeated] means a lot to us,” Neukirch said. “It shows that all of our hard work over the summer is really paying off.”

Along with protecting senior quarterback Matt Brown, Neukirch has boosted ISU’s running game. Senior tailback Darrelyn Dunn has rushed for seven touchdowns and is averaging 105.5 yards a game on the ground, the fourth-best average in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.

“I take a lot of pride in what I do,” Neukirch said. “I try to be as physical as I can be. I consider myself part of the offensive line.”

Last weekend, in a 23-3 win at Western Illinois, Neukirch helped Dunn rush for 114 yards and two TDs, then contributed to the victory with his own scoring catch. Neukirch’s 12-yard TD catch in the third quarter was the first of his career.

“It was a seam route, and Matt put the ball right on me,” Neukirch said.

ISU’s 4-0 start and 11 consecutive weeks in the FCS Coaches Poll rankings has helped erase some of the sting of missing last season’s FCS playoffs. Along with winning at Western for only the second time since 1994, the Redbirds also have a win this season under their belt against Football Bowl Subdivision member Eastern Michigan.

“We wanted to come out and make a statement that we belong in the playoffs,” Neukirch said.

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