Interview: 2020 Alabama OL Michael McNutt is a Next Level Talent Waiting to be Discovered

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Covering high school football recruiting the way that I do, I love coming across the diamond in the rough player. That player that you see all the potential in the world in who could be an impact player with the right fit at the next level – those finds energize the recruiting writing batteries. The latest find recharging the RNG batteries is Class of 2020 offensive tackle Michael McNutt.

McNutt is that rare combination of size, strength, and sheer determination. The 6-7, 320-pound, versatile lineman is so determined to pave his own path forward to the collegiate level he learned how to better pass block by watching YouTube videos. That internal motor to succeed that cannot be thrust upon from outside pressures helped motivate McNutt to first team All-Area and All-Region honors during his junior season with Priceville (AL) after squashing 66 pancaked defenders. The work is paying off with an offer from Howard and with regional programs like Alabama-Birmingham, Troy, Western Kentucky, and South Alabama, among others, showing interest.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the rising talents in the offensive trenches in Alabama’s 2020 class to learn more about his game before an all-too important camp and combine season.

Interview

Michael, you were bulldozing defenders left and right all season. What post-season honors did you earn for your work?

“First team All-Area and All-Region.”

What type of offense do the Bulldogs execute?

“We run a little bit of everything. We run the spread and triple option and pounded the rock out of both formations. We had a sophomore running back Jerry Burton, he finished with over 1,500 yards rushing. Our sophomore running back showed out all season.”

What were some of the things you were doing well as a run blocker to earn your honors?

“I feel like I do a great job of getting lower than the defender driving my feet pushing him back and finishing the block through the whistle. My strength is another thing. I worked hard in the weight room in the offseason to increase my strength. That helped me finish blocks well.”

What about as a pass blocker?

“I think I definitely improved a lot over last year. Up to a point, I had not been coached solid pass blocking technique. I took it upon myself to teach myself proper technique watching YouTube videos and learning a lot at college camps over the summer. The college camps really helped me a lot with my drop-step and stepping back.”

Which areas of your game improved the most during your junior season?

“I think I improved overall but the main thing was firing off the ball. My stance got better. I had more of a purpose on my first step. My punch had more power which helped me finish blocks.”

Are there one or two areas of your game you really want to work on this offseason before your senior year?

“My main focus is on getting stronger and improving my footwork. One thing coaches have told me is I need to work on my footwork. I am losing weight. I have gone from 340 down to 320 and I plan to get down to 300 to be quicker.”

Where all might we see you lineup during the 2019 season?

“I played all around this past season; guard then to tackle, right guard and back at left tackle. I played some defensive tackle towards the end of the season. I might get some reps there again next year.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered you yet?

“I have taken visits to Western Kentucky – they were my first visit, then to Eastern Kentucky, Troy, FAU (Florida Atlantic), UAB (Alabama-Birmingham), Jacksonville State, and South Alabama. I am also receiving some interest from South Carolina.”

Have you received an offer yet?

“Yes. I have an offer from Howard.”

Nice. Do you have any planned visits you may take upcoming?

“I plan to take a Junior Day visit with South Alabama, UAB, Troy, and possibly Western Kentucky. Western Kentucky, they want me back up there this spring. FAU also wants me to visit for a Junior Day.”

Michael, thank you for your time today. Wishing you luck with your offseason workouts and upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Priceville High School Yearbook Staff; No. 77 Michael McNutt