CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: ALABAMA VS GEORGIA

January 5, 2022

Evan Neal

Lucas Oil Stadium

Alabama Crimson Tide

Press Conference

Q. When you guys faced Georgia last time, it seemed like as an offensive line you were able to pick up some stunts they had better than maybe other times this year. What clicked well in terms of communication and being able to pass stuff off?

EVAN NEAL: I felt like it started in the practice week. We just made sure to go out there, practice as hard as we could, be real detail oriented and get the most out of every day. We wanted to be the best that we could for our team. And whenever we went out there and played, that's what we did.

Q. Pretty incredible, zero sacks in the last game. A lot of people would analyze that game and say that's where Alabama won it right there. That hasn't been Georgia's MO in every other game. So what do you expect this time around? Totally different? Same stuff? And what does it take to -- I'm assuming that was pretty satisfactory for you guys in terms of the level of accomplishment.

EVAN NEAL: It's going to take us going out there and working every day. Like I said, it starts in practice and preparation leading up to the game. Every game's a new game. Every game has an identity of its own. Just excited to be able to go out there, do it again, on the national stage again. It's all a blessing, man. You've got to put the work in day by day leading up to the game. That's what matters.

Q. What can you say about Doug Marrone being the offensive line coach? He's had a lot of experience at the collegiate and NFL level as a coach. And what's he meant to you, how he's made you better?

EVAN NEAL: Just the experience he's been. He's like a dictionary, Encyclopedia, there's not too much if anything that he doesn't know about offensive line play. He's a really great resource to have. NFL head coach being your position coach is really a blessing. We're thankful to have him.

He comes in every day and pushes us to be the best in the film room and practice field. And all around he just helps all of us be better. I love Coach Marrone. It's a blessing to have him here.

Q. Has Coach Saban been at all more encouraging or less critical this season than in previous seasons with you?

EVAN NEAL: Coach Saban is just Coach Saban. He's going to coach us hard. He's going to get after us. He's going to demand our best. I can't tell you I've noticed anything like that. In my time here he's been the same person. He demands excellence. That's just who he is.

Q. How have you seen Emil Ekiyor overcome adversity at times throughout his career? And what would you say to him now as he's looking to overcome adversity with that shoulder injury this week?

EVAN NEAL: He's a tough dude. He's the kind of guy you want playing next to you. I'm proud of him, the adversity he's had to play through. He's done it. He doesn't complain. He gives it his all. That's really all you can ask for. I'm extremely proud of him and extremely blessed to be able to play next to him. So just proud of him.

Q. While you were a high school recruit, I was wondering if you watched the national championship game the last time these two teams played; and if you did, what do you remember about that?

EVAN NEAL: I did watch this game, actually. I remember how crazy of a game it was. Really, really competitive game down to the wire. I believe that's what championship games are all about. That's what it's about.

Q. There's been a lot of times this year, even recently, where the offensive line has had to shuffle, plug people in due to injuries, sometimes in game, sometimes before the game starts. What does that say about the flexibility of this group but also the depth you've all been able to move people in and out and around the line?

EVAN NEAL: It just shows how flexible guys are. And also the depth that we have, the younger guys, how locked in they are. I believe they really have a next-man-up mentality. All of our guys prepare as if they're starters. When their name or number is called, they're ready. So I'm extremely proud of those guys. I'm proud to be able to play alongside of them, just proud of them.

Q. Wanted your thoughts on Will Anderson, what is it like to block him and what makes him so tough?

EVAN NEAL: It's fun to block Will. He makes me get better. I believe he has that unique rare combo of speed, power, quickness and flexibility. He can beat you on the corner. He can bull rush you. Run through you. Good working his real hands. Sound, solid player all around. Those are the kind of guys you want to go up against. Just excited and blessed I get to go up against him every day and sharpen my iron.

Q. Have you ever tried to block someone quite as good as him, as talented as him, or is he the best player you've gone up against?

EVAN NEAL: I can say that he's the best rusher I've been up against.

Q. Having played in a championship game last year and with all the outside distractions going on about this potentially being your final game at Alabama how you plan on slowing down the rest of the week and soak it in as you get ready to compete for a national title?

EVAN NEAL: Continue to take it day by day like I have my entire time being here. Focus on the little things, focusing on getting better every day, preparing, try my best to go out there and be a leader, bring guys along with me. And that's pretty much it. Just taking it day by day. That's it.