For Alabama football, there is a ton of depth and experience on its offensive line.
With all the pieces it has, the player that will end up being the best is one who looks to get taken high in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Evan Neal has been a towering, imposing presence since his arrival in 2019 as a five-star.
A product of IMG Academy, he earned a diamond grade of two from Justin Smith of Touchdown Alabama Magazine — which means he projects as an “all-conference player and a top-25 NFL Draft pick.” He has lived up to the billing thus far in his young career, despite starting all 13 games at left guard last season. Neal’s productivity in a phone booth led to him winning Freshman All-American honors from ESPN, USA TODAY and Football Writers Association of America. He also was named to the SEC’s All-Freshman team.
The native Floridian helped Alabama produce one of the best offenses in college football, as it was No. 2 in scoring (47.2 ppg), No. 3 in passing offense (342.2 ypg) and No. 6 in total offense (510.8 ypg). Neal assisted both Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones to success at quarterback, while clearing the way for Najee Harris to have his first career 1,000-yard rushing (1,224) season.
After the Tide graduated Jedrick Wills to the National Football League, Neal has moved to the vacant spot at right tackle.
Whether it was Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown or Phidarian Mathis, each individual has discussed the seamless transition of Neal going back outside.
He spoke to local reporters on Thursday and though there are some aspects he is still learning, he is happy to be back at his natural position.
One thing that amazes fans about Neal is his athleticism, regardless of his size.
Alabama’s new strength staff of David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea posted a video to Twitter of Neal perfectly executing a box jump at the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility. Both coaches have been working with Neal since he was 14 years old.
He credits his athleticism to his family.
“That was my first time actually doing a box jump,” Neal said. “Dr. Rhea and Coach Ballou are great strength coaches. They can teach us different exercises. I feel like as far as my athleticism goes, I come from a family of athletes. I’m just a big, athletic guy.”
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As an athletic guy, Neal has had the pleasure of playing with experienced veterans. The Crimson Tide had Alex Leatherwood, Deonte Brown, Landon Dickerson and Chris Owens around him last year.
He enjoyed being taught by the older guys, especially Leatherwood with him being a fellow Floridian.
“In my transition back to tackle on some of our off days, he (Alex Leatherwood) would go to the band field with me and show me different set angles,” Neal said. “He would help me with my punch timings and I am really appreciative of that. It is always good to have as much experience as we do in our room.”
Neal had playing experience at guard as a freshman and sophomore in high school, but he credits the veteran leadership in helping him transition to the role a season ago.
It is crazy to think on how Neal was 385 pounds upon his arrival on campus. Now, the 6-foot-7 specimen in 355 pounds and wants to lose more weight. Even at his new weight, there is no linebacker or defensive back that wants to be in front of this massive man.
He enjoys blocking guys straight up, but getting players on the move is what he craves more.
“My favorite blocks are ones where I can get out on screens,” Neal said. “As I big guy, I like to get in space because you don’t see a lot of big guys do that. Those are the types of blocks I like.”
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Another thing that has helped Neal’s transition is facing an improved defense in practice.
He lines up against players such as DJ Dale, LaBryan Ray, Christian Barmore and Phidarian Mathis every day.
“I always like to say iron sharpens iron,” Neal said. “Those guys are great to up against. Every day we do our best to go out there and get each other better. I am grateful to have teammates to play against like that every day.”
Neal and the Tide will have its second scrimmage of fall practice on Saturday. The team looks to continue fine-tuning its craft for its season opener against Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 26.
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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.
