 "Photo: William Schneekloth/Targum Staff Photographer")
 "Photo: William Schneekloth/Targum Staff Photographer")
His praying goes beyond the football field or the locker room.
It goes all the way to the Morning Star in New York City, where he does charity events for the church.
For his efforts around the community, senior defensive end Ryan was named a finalist for The Wuerffel Trophy.
The award is named after former Florida Gator quarterback Danny Wuerffel and honors a college football player who best combines exemplary community service with outstanding academic and athletic achievement.
Nominees for the award must have at least a 3.0 grade point average, be a first-team player, and be a consistent contributor in community service projects. The award is presented by the All Sports Association of Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
Bill Curry, ESPN college football analyst and a former head coach, described the significance of the award on Hokiesports.com.
"This award is not just a little different from all the other awards, it's a lot different," Curry said. "When I was approached about this I was a little skeptical until I realized it was the embodiment of everything that Danny Wuerffel stands for. The spirit of this award is something that is long overdue.
"You're recognizing not only a great athlete and a great student but someone who also gives and gives."
Neill is one of 13 finalists for the award, as he remains a strong proponent for community service around the Tri-State area. The Wayne Hills native works for Athletes and Action on campus, visits hospitals, and reads to elementary students in the area.
"I think it's great," Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano said of Neill being a finalist. "I hope he can win it. I wouldn't trade Ryan Neill for anybody."
Neill was also selected as a finalist for the prestigious Hendricks Trophy, awarded to the country's top defensive end. It's named after three-time All-American defensive end Ted Hendricks, who ended up playing 15 stellar seasons in the NFL en route to a Hall of Fame career.
"It means a lot to me," Neill said. "A guy like Hendricks and what he's accomplished, having him say I'm one of the top defensive ends in the country is an honor."
Neill is one of six finalists, including Louisville's Elvis Dumervil, Mississippi State's Willie Evans, Penn State's Tamba Hali, Boston College's Mathias Kiwanuka, and Virginia Tech's Darryl Tapp.
Dumervil is on pace to break the single-season sack record, while Kiwanuka was named the 2005 ACC Preseason Player of the Year - quite an elite group of players for Neill to be accompanied by.
"To be in the same category with five guys of that caliber is an honor," Neill said.
Neill is ranked third in the nation in tackles for loss with 2.0 per game and is 25th in the nation with .78 sacks per game.
He has 61 total tackles, 19 for a loss in 10 games, while remaining second on the team in sacks with 8.0. He also leads the team with 20 quarterback hurries and is tied for second with one forced fumble.
"He's a complete football player and a great leader," Schiano said.
With two more esteemed awards on the brink for Neill, he can only add to his resume for the next level: the NFL.
"I hope to be playing in the NFL once I'm done here," Neill said. "Eventually I'm going to have to do something else."
Majoring in Communication, Neill plans to go into business after his days in the pro level, because he "likes interacting with people."
His performance on and off the field has been recognized nationally. Thus you could say, the 6-foot-3-inch, 265-pounder's prayers have been answered.
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