It’s been a long and winding road for Evan Neal to Tuscaloosa.

Way back in May of 2016, Neal received what he called his “dream offer” from Alabama and accepted the next day. However, he decommitted a week later. Speculation arose that the offer was a conditional one in which the offensive tackle needed to get his weight under control. The Okeechobee, FL native struggled with his size and was reportedly up around 385-390 at certain points.

Other reports described that the family thought the young 15-year old had made his decision too early. The likeliest scenario was that both occurred and Neal backed off with Alabama’s blessing. Despite the decommitment, the Crimson Tide still believed in Neal and invited him to camp that summer. He later enrolled at IMG Academy and molded himself into a 5-star prospect.

Since that time, the Tide has added two more National Championships and look as strong as ever. The Neals did not need much more convincing. An official visit for the Iron Bowl and an in-home visit with Nick Saban and Tosh Lupoi on December 12 sealed the deal.

At 6’7½” and 360 lbs, Neal might be the largest 5-star ever. He is a mountain of a man with long arms and nimble on his feet for his size. With his massive girth, he is able to engulf defenders and hold them at bay.

247sports Comp ranks Neal the 20th best player. Rivals has him at No. 11. He chose Alabama over Miami and Georgia with Florida State bringing up the rear.

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