WATCH: Michael Irvin praises former Alabama OT Evan Neal
Former Alabama star Evan Neal is an absolute freak of nature. The man can do some amazing things for a player his size, such as the 48-inch box jump he posted to Twitter that got 1.2 million views. Hall-of-Famer and NFL Network personality Michael Irvin got the chance to workout with him this offseason and it’s safe to say he was impressed by the 6-foot-7, 350-pound behemoth, to say the least. On Thursday night on NFL Network, Irvin couldn’t praise Neal’s talent and work ethic enough ahead of the Patriots-Giants preseason matchup.
“I’m gonna tell you something. I want you guys to watch this Evan Neal kid. You talk about what they’re doing–the offensive line. I worked out. I spent this whole offseason working out with Evan. I never in my life have seen a big man this big move this fast works this hard. Never. I’ve never seen it…This dude’s from Alabama….This dude’s a workhorse,” Irvin said on NFL Total Access.
“After I worked out, I stopped and said, ‘Listen man, you’re going to the Giants and I hate to share all of this, because it’s the Giants and I don’t want him playing my Cowboys. But do not let them brothers change him. You’re going to a team, they’ve done some losing… So they’re happy in their ways and they’re safe.’ I said, ‘Do not let them dudes change you. You are a dog. You’ve gotta change them,’ the former Cowboys receiver said.
“And he has that attitude. And that work ethic. I loved working out with him, man. I had him on my podcast. I love his attitude. Watch what this kid does with that camp. He will not stop working. He’s the hardest worker I’ve ever seen…” Irvin said on Thursday evening.
Evan Neal discussed what it meant to be drafted by the Giants
After being selected with the seventh overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Neal explained what the 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 Tuscaloosa 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 last year by the AFCA, FWAA, and The Sporting News. At 6-foot-7, 350 pounds, he’s got everything an NFL team is looking for in a future All-Pro offensive tackle.
On3’s Justin Rudolph also contributed to this article.