Kayvon Thibodeaux, Evan Neal share memories of going against each other at high school camps

Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal have seen their paths continually cross, dating back to their high school games. Both were members of the 2019 recruiting class and were seen as five-star prospects. Three years later, they were selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, making everything come full circle.

During the introductory press conference, Thibodeaux and Neal reminisced on going against each other during high school camps. According to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting services, they were the No. 1 edge and No. 1 offensive tackle, respectively.

Camps would put let the two top players battle multiple times. Thibodeaux thinks now that they’re teammates, it shows how competitive they both are and how hard they worked to be the best.

“I think it speaks value to the competitiveness,” Thibodeaux said. “I think it speaks to wanting to be better. I mean, me and him, every time we came to a camp, we knew. You knew how they were going to set us up. It was that “okay, he’s the best, I’m the best. Now, let’s get better. Let’s prove to ourselves why we got this far.’ It’s not ironic, it’s God.”

Thibodeaux was the No. 2 overall player in his class and ended up with the Oregon Ducks. After some questions on where he would fall, New York pulled the trigger with the fifth overall pick. Considered one of the top edge rushers in the draft, the Giants will be hoping he can be a franchise staple for years to come.

As for Neal, he was the No. 6 overall player before selecting the Alabama Crimson Tide out of IMG Academy. He played multiple positions across the offensive line, including guard, right tackle, and left tackle. For New York, he will be protecting quarterback Daniel Jones on his blindside after being the seventh overall pick.

However, even though there is some friendliness now, the two will still be going up against each other. The Giants will want their top tackle going up against their top pass rusher in practice, especially as young guys. There are still a lot more reps both Thibodeaux and Neal will have against each other as they transition into the professional ranks.

Some things never die — from high school and all the way to the NFL. Thibodeaux and Neal remain intense competitors.