Evan Neal shares text message from Bryce Young shortly after Heisman win

Alabama quarterback Bryce Young recently brought home a Heisman Trophy win. Young threw for 4,322 yards, 43 touchdowns and four interceptions along with three rushing touchdowns on his way to the Heisman in his first year as Alabama’s starting quarterback. But Young knew that he couldn’t win such a prestigious award without his left tackle, Evan Neal.

Neal was asked about his reaction to Young winning the Heisman on Friday. There, Neal raved about his quarterback’s ability to be a great teammate as well as his talent on the field.

“Extremely proud of him,” Neal said of his reaction to Young winning the Heisman. “I believe there’s no one more deserving than Bryce. Great teammate, great guy to be around. He’s absolute talent on the field, man. I’m really proud of him.”

Neal went on to explain what Young did immediately after winning the Heisman. Young texted Neal, saying that the Heisman Trophy win wouldn’t have been possible without him.

“And the first thing Bryce did, he texted me,” Neal added. “He said, ‘Hey man, I couldn’t do it without you.’ That just shows the kind of character he has. I feel like he didn’t really look at it as an individual award, or he looked at it as more of a team thing because it took more than just him to get that award. It took everybody on the offense surrounding him to be able to make that happen. So I’m extremely proud of Bryce. I’m extremely proud of what he’s been able to accomplish.”

Neal is one of the top 2022 NFL Draft prospects

While Young might get a lot of the attention on Alabama’s offense, Neal’s role is very important. Neal, a second-team AP All-American, has played three different positions in three years on Alabama’s offensive line. In 2019, he started 13 games at left guard. Last year he moved outside, starting 12 games at right tackle. This season, Neal protected Young’s blindside, starting 13 games at left tackle.

ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay projects Neal going third overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars in his first 2022 NFL mock draft. McShay is very high on Neal as a prospect.

“He’s the best offensive lineman in this class for a reason,” McShay said of Neal.

“He is massive, 370-pounds, but you don’t see many guys likes that can move and mirror, and slide in pass protection and get out as a second-level run blocker.  He moves so well.  He’s tough to get around.  I think he’d be a perfect with the Jaguars.  With Travis Etienne coming back healthy next year and Lawrence at the quarterback spot, they need to do better upfront.”