The University of Alabama loses three veterans from its 2020 offensive line to the NFL Draft, but Evan Neal returns as the anchor for this year’s group.
A native Floridian, Neal started all 13 games last year at right tackle. As a sophomore, he cleared the way for Najee Harris to record 1,466 yards rushing, 425 yards receiving, and 30 total touchdowns. The 6-foot-7, 360-pounder guided Harris to six 100-yard rushing performances, including one 200-yard outing versus Mississippi.
He assisted the California native to the Doak Walker Award and status as a Heisman finalist.
Neal also positioned Harris to Unanimous All-American honors last season.
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The former five-star via Alabama’s 2019 class helped Mac Jones achieve massive success.
Neal kept his quarterback upright in the pocket and allowed him to toss for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns. Jones set college football marks for passer rating (203.1) and total quarterback rating (96.1) while setting a new school single-season record for passing yards. Neal aided Jones to All-American honors, recognition as a Heisman finalist, and the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Year award. His protection of Jones also set up DeVonta Smith to win the Heisman Trophy at wide receiver.
Neal has played in 26 career games at left guard and right tackle, but the physical specimen is ready for a leadership role.
Last week, he spoke to local reporters on how ‘excited’ he is to work with Doug Marrone.
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Marrone, 56, was an offensive lineman at Syracuse University (1983-85) and he played two seasons in the National Football League.
He coached offensive linemen and tight ends in college and was a head coach for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. Marrone was also a head coach at his Alma mater from 2009- 12.
He now has the chance to work with Nick Saban.
“He is a great coach,” Neal said of Marrone. “He is extremely knowledgable and he pushes us to be great. I respect that about him.”
Marrone is getting acquainted with the offensive unit. Alabama is five sessions into spring practice, and Neal understands that a leadership position is earned. He knows the team cannot replace Alex Leatherwood, Landon Dickerson, and Deonte Brown, but he can take the lessons he learned to make the Crimson Tide successful.
“One thing I can say in playing with those guys, especially Landon, is they showed me what it takes to be a leader. They showed me how to lead guys, and a leadership position is something I want. I am up for the challenge. I am going to come in every day ready to work.”
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Neal is excited to work with young names such as Tommy Brockermeyer, James Brockermeyer, JC Latham, and Terrence Ferguson; however, he also sees Damieon George putting work in too.
“I have seen a lot of progress from Damieon,” Neal said. “Our O-Line unit is still a working progress. We still have a lot of work to do, but as far as Damieon himself, he is a hard worker. I am excited for him. He is a great guy. He is a great guy to be around and I feel like he’s a good player.”
George, a sophomore from Houston, Texas, came in the Tide’s 2020 recruiting class.
The 6-foot-6, 345-pounder got reps at right tackle with the first-team last week, per respectable sources.
He played in three games last year and is looking forward to earning more action. Coach Saban is trying to locate the most consistent players upfront. Alabama will not have Emil Ekiyor (sports hernia) this spring because of an injury, so this allows a couple of young players to step up. Neal told reporters he is working at left tackle. Tommy Brown is playing next to him at left guard, and the junior has been able to help Brown. Neal is looking forward to helping the Tide repeat as national champions, but it starts with having a successful spring. On Tuesday, Alabama will return for its second week of practice.
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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.
