What one offensive lineman from Alabama believes about the quarterback competition for the Tide

TUSCALOOSA, AL — As the 2024 Alabama Crimson Tide football season rapidly approaches, one of the most scrutinized positions on the roster is, without a doubt, the quarterback. With multiple talented quarterbacks vying for the starting role, the competition has taken center stage. As the battle between Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner, and Brock Glenn intensifies, the thoughts of players on the offensive line are an invaluable perspective — after all, the quarterback’s success is directly tied to the protection and cohesion of the guys upfront.

One particular offensive lineman, Evan Neal, the All-American and former Tide standout, recently spoke out on the quarterback competition, offering an inside look into how the offensive line views the battle and what it could mean for the team’s success. Neal, who left Alabama after three seasons to become the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, may have moved on from the college ranks, but his insights into the program, particularly regarding the quarterback race, hold significant weight.

While Neal isn’t currently wearing a Crimson Tide uniform, his words reflect a deep understanding of the inner workings of Alabama’s football team. Having spent multiple years protecting elite quarterbacks like Mac Jones and Bryce Young, Neal has an intimate grasp of what makes a successful signal-caller — and how that success is directly tied to the offensive line’s performance.

In this feature, we explore what Neal believes about the 2024 Alabama quarterback competition, the challenges each player faces, and what factors will ultimately decide who will lead the Crimson Tide offense in the upcoming season.

Understanding the Offensive Line’s Perspective

Before delving into Neal’s thoughts on the quarterback battle, it’s important to understand the fundamental role of the offensive line in a quarterback’s performance. For an offensive lineman, the priority is clear: provide protection, create lanes for the running backs, and give the quarterback enough time to make decisions. In a high-pressure environment like Alabama football, the offensive line is crucial to a quarterback’s success — or failure.

From Neal’s perspective, the role of the offensive line is simple: create a stable foundation for the quarterback to thrive in. In his experience at Alabama, protecting the pocket was paramount, but so was giving the quarterback enough time to read defenses, make accurate throws, and execute the game plan. This dynamic makes an offensive lineman’s perspective on the quarterback competition particularly insightful.

Neal is quick to acknowledge that, while the quarterback’s talent is important, the foundation built by the offensive line will help determine who gets the starting role. A quarterback can only be as successful as the protection they receive. Thus, Neal’s observations offer a vital lens through which we can better understand the upcoming season for Alabama football.

Evan Neal’s Take on the 2024 Quarterback Competition

Neal recently spoke on the quarterback competition for the Crimson Tide and shared some fascinating insights on how the offensive line views the battle. Here’s what he had to say:

“At the end of the day, the quarterbacks are only as good as the offensive line that blocks for them. The offensive line is the unsung hero of the whole equation. If a quarterback doesn’t feel confident in the protection around him, it affects everything — his decision-making, his accuracy, and his ability to stand tall in the pocket. Whoever ends up as the starter will need to trust that they have the time and space to make their plays, but also have the ability to extend plays when things break down.”

Neal’s comment is an essential one, emphasizing the critical relationship between the quarterback and the offensive line. It’s not just about the ability of the quarterback to throw the football or lead the offense; it’s about building chemistry with the players upfront who will protect them from opposing pass rushers. A quarterback’s success begins and ends with the trust they have in their offensive line, and Neal is adamant that protection will be a deciding factor for the starting job.

The Case for Jalen Milroe: A Dual-Threat Quarterback with Mobility

In the eyes of many, Jalen Milroe is the early favorite for the starting quarterback position heading into 2024. The dual-threat quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, especially when it comes to his ability to make plays with his legs. While Milroe’s passing game is still developing, his explosive athleticism gives him a significant advantage, particularly behind a powerful offensive line.

Neal had high praise for Milroe’s strengths but also acknowledged the challenges that come with being a mobile quarterback.

“Jalen has a lot of natural talent. He’s one of those guys who can make something out of nothing. If the pocket breaks down, he can still extend plays and keep defenses on their toes with his legs. That’s a huge weapon for any offense, especially with the speed and agility he brings. But when it comes to the pocket, that’s where he needs to continue growing. He’s got the arm, but like any young quarterback, he has to be more consistent with his mechanics and decision-making when the pocket isn’t as clean.”

Neal is spot on in his assessment of Milroe’s strengths and weaknesses. While Milroe has undoubtedly shown the ability to escape pressure and make explosive plays, the next step in his development will be his consistency as a passer. Alabama’s offensive line will play a pivotal role in giving Milroe the confidence to stay in the pocket longer and make accurate throws. The more protection he receives, the more effective he can be as a traditional pocket passer, which will be critical for the Tide’s success.

Milroe’s ability to make plays with his legs could take Alabama’s offense to another level, especially if the offensive line can open up lanes and protect him when necessary.

Tyler Buchner: A Transfer with Experience and Poise

The addition of Tyler Buchner, the highly touted transfer from Notre Dame, has added another layer of intrigue to Alabama’s quarterback competition. Buchner brings much-needed experience to the Tide, having started games in the competitive environment of the ACC. However, his time at Notre Dame was marred by injuries and inconsistent play, leaving many to question whether he can step in and perform at the elite level expected at Alabama.

Neal had a thoughtful take on what Buchner could bring to the table:

“Tyler is a guy who’s been through the grind. He’s played in big games and has a lot of experience under his belt. That can’t be understated. With experience comes poise, and that’s something you need when you’re facing SEC defenses. He doesn’t have the mobility that Jalen does, but he’s got the pocket presence and the ability to get the ball out quickly. If the offensive line can protect him, I think Tyler will do a great job of getting the ball to the playmakers on offense.”

Neal’s praise of Buchner’s poise and quick release reflects the importance of the quarterback’s mental and physical attributes, especially when playing behind an offensive line that may need time to gel. Buchner may not be as dynamic as Milroe with his legs, but his ability to read defenses and get rid of the ball quickly will be vital in ensuring the offensive line doesn’t have to hold up under pressure for extended periods.

Buchner’s experience could be invaluable in high-pressure moments, where composure under duress is often the key to success.

Brock Glenn: A Freshman with Unlimited Potential

While Milroe and Buchner may be the two more experienced quarterbacks in the race, Brock Glenn, a highly touted freshman, is quickly making a name for himself during Alabama’s spring practices. Glenn is an unpolished prospect but has shown tremendous potential in his early days in Tuscaloosa.

Neal shared his thoughts on Glenn’s potential:

“Brock is still a young guy, but you can see the talent is there. He’s got a strong arm, and he’s got the mental tools to be successful. The key for him will be how quickly he can adapt to the speed of the game and the pressure that comes with being a starting quarterback at Alabama. If he can adjust to the level of play, he’s got all the physical tools to be a great quarterback for us in the future.”

Neal’s comments highlight what many have seen in Glenn: immense upside. While it may be unrealistic to expect him to win the starting job as a freshman, his development will be something to watch closely. If the offensive line can provide the time and space he needs, Glenn could become a dynamic option for the future of the program.

The Key to Success: Offensive Line and Quarterback Chemistry

Ultimately, Neal’s thoughts on the quarterback competition point to one central theme: the chemistry between the quarterback and the offensive line. As much as the quarterbacks are competing for the starting role, the offensive line’s performance will play a crucial role in determining who will be most effective under center.

“Whoever wins the job will need to have confidence in the guys up front,” Neal said. “If we’re not protecting them, it’s going to be hard for anyone to succeed. The key is finding a balance between mobility and staying within the pocket. The offensive line has to be solid, and the quarterback has to trust us to do our job. When that trust is there, everything else falls into place.”

For Alabama to thrive in 2024, the quarterback and offensive line must develop an unshakable bond. The