Evan Neal shares what it meant to hear name called in NFL Draft

After being selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, former Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Evans Neal explained what that moment meant for him and his family.

“It means the world,” said Neal. “That’s something that you grew up dreaming about, idolizing about and for that to happen, it’s a blessing and it’s a testament to all the hard work that it took to get here. So I’m just thankful.”

Neal was a three-year starter along Alabama’s offensive line. He arrived in 2019 and almost immediately assumed the starting role at left guard. Then as a sophomore, he kicked over to right tackle. Despite being somewhat uncomfortable in his new role initially, Neal was thriving as usual by the end of 2020. Then this past season, he showed off even more versatility by moving to Bryce Young’s blindside.

After starting 40 games in three seasons, Neal broke through and was named a consensus first-team All-American by the AFCA, FWAA and The Sporting News. At 6-foot-7, 337 pounds, he’s got everything an NFL team is looking for in a future All-Pro offensive tackle.

Neal on Alabama head coach Nick Saban

When at Alabama, you’re going to have at least one good story about Nick Saban chewing you out — even if you’re Evan Neal.

While Neal had a phenomenal career for the Crimson Tide, he wasn’t immune to his coach’s wrath. In an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, the newly-minted New York Giants offensive lineman recalled the last memory he has of Saban going after him.

“I can’t tell you that my play actually made him angry,” started Neal. “I’m sure I haven’t been perfect, and he’s critiqued my game like everyone else, but didn’t really get — he yelled at everybody, but didn’t really get — yeah, I got yelled at a few times. But I always felt like Coach Saban was you know, pleased with my play enough where he could go out there and trust me to execute my job on the field.”

While Neal may feel Saban was pleased with his play, he was able to remember at least one instance where he wasn’t.

“I have,” Evan Neal responded, when asked if he’s ever been aired-out by Saban. “I mean, I have, I definitely have. .. The last time I could remember was my freshman year. I remember I was taking guys to the ground. So basically, we were doing team run period, and I think I pancaked the guy and he yelled at me for keeping the guys up. He said, you know, keep the guys up.