Evan Neal wants to prove he is the most versatile offensive lineman in this draft class.
He arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium for the NFL Scouting Combine looking different than his enrollment to the University of Alabama in 2019. Neal, a native Floridian, entered the Crimson Tide’s program at 360 pounds on a 6-foot-7 frame.
RELATED: Alabama OL Evan Neal will not work out at the NFL Scouting Combine
He excelled at left guard and right tackle from 2019 to 2020. Neal dropped 15 pounds before his junior season in 2021 to showcase his freakish athleticism. He proved to be an anchor at left tackle, protecting Bryce Young to single-season school passing records and assisting Brian Robinson to a 1,000+ yard rushing season. As an All-American and permanent team captain, Neal started 15 games last season at 345 pounds. NFL reporters saw a new version of the former five-star today.
Big crowd here to see Alabama tackle Evan Neal, a potential No. 1 overall pick in April. Said he last weighed in at 336. pic.twitter.com/uqvjWEosQS
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) March 3, 2022
#Alabama OT Evan Neal says that he weighed in at 337 pounds prior to the Combine and that his versatility at both guard and tackle taught him a lot. Mentioned that Larry Allen is his favorite player of all-time. pic.twitter.com/7DdV5R6aXJ
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 3, 2022
Neal said he weighed in at 336 pounds during an interview with the media.
Evan Neal at 337 looking like a specimen of specimens 😮
(📸 via @BigDuke50) pic.twitter.com/CRZt2BMJDm
— Touchdown Alabama (@TDAlabamaMag) March 3, 2022
He’s dropped 24 pounds since 2019. Scott Cochran, Alabama’s former director of strength and conditioning, started Neal’s transformation. David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea, who trained Neal at IMG Academy, completed his transformation. Neal comes from a family of athletes, but he is ready to make his mark in the pros.
RELATED: Evan Neal eyes making history in NFL Draft for Alabama in Nick Saban era
He will not participate in on-field workouts at the Combine, but he’s saving his testing for Alabama’s Pro Day on March 30. Neal would be an exceptional selection for any team at guard or tackle, but the Jaguars have the No. 1 pick.
He has the makings of an All-Pro lineman for a long career.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
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.
