National media is raving about Alabama’s offensive line and for good reasons.
Not only did Nick Saban and Kyle Flood (offensive line coach) return depth to the group, but four experienced starters are back as well.
The quartet of Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown, Landon Dickerson and Evan Neal anchored an offense in 2019 that ranked second in college football for scoring (47.2 ppg), third for passing offense (342.2 ypg) and sixth for total offense (510.8 ypg).
Prior to Tua Tagovailoa’s hip injury, the unit assisted him to four 300-plus yard passing games and six matchup with at least four touchdown passes. For Najee Harris, the line cleared a path for his first career 1,000-yard rushing performance (1,224) with 13 scores on 209 carries. During his junior year, he collected six 100-yard games — including four versus Southeastern Conference opponents.
With big talent on the roster, one of the moves the Crimson Tide has made in fall camp is transitioning Neal to offensive tackle.
The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder was a tackle at IMG Academy, but he started at left guard last season.
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His production led to him snagging Freshman All-American honors from ESPN, USA TODAY and Football Writers Association of America.
He was also named to the Freshman All-SEC team by the league’s coaches. Neal’s size and technique allowed him to contribute to a front that surrendered just 12 sacks in 406 pass attempts.
Although he took the same route as teammate and fellow Floridian, Alex Leatherwood, everyone believes Neal’s natural spot is at offensive tackle and the team is very excited.
Leatherwood spoke earlier in camp about Neal’s transition, but Saban went more into it on Wednesday.
“He’s (Evan Neal) really powerful,” Saban said. “He’s a prototype right tackle in my opinion in everything we would for. He’s very athletic for his size. He’s a good pass blocker. He’s long and hard to get around. He is conscientious. He is a hard worker and I am pleased with him.”
When it comes to his adjustment to the position, Deonte Brown said it has not been hard for Neal.
“He’s a natural tackle,” Brown said of Neal. “He is a great athlete.”
Coach Saban mentioned that if Alabama’s offensive line stays healthy, the team has a chance to have a really good offense this season.
Having a bookend tackle like Neal assures great pass protection for Mac Jones and big running lanes for Najee Harris, who wants to become the Crimson Tide’s third Heisman Trophy winner.
A monster campaign from Neal will begin his high draft stock going into his junior season.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
