Interview: 2020 Alabama OT Michael McNutt Covers Offers and Recruiting Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Defenses lining up against Priceville High School during the 2018 season did not like seeing No. 77 walk out of the huddle. Alabama 4A defenses knew a knockdown or pancake block was coming on a running play from Michael McNutt. If McNutt had a weakness a year ago, it was his pass protection. But that has changed – which is really bad news for ends, defensive tackles, and linebackers in 2019. McNutt has trimmed his 6-foot 7-inch frame down to 310 pounds and has dedicated himself to the weight room and working on his technique. The difference is noticeable already, and college coaches are jumping on the changes. McNutt is up to five offers with top SEC programs like Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, and Missouri, among many other schools, wanting to see him in action this summer at one of their camps.
With unofficial visits taken and a few already on the schedule, including one to Troy this weekend, I sat down for a catch-up one-on-one with McNutt.
*Click link for Jan. 8, 2019, RNG interview with Michael McNutt
Interview
Michael, how have your offseason workouts been going?
“They have been going great. My main goal is to get strong, faster, and lose weight. I have improved my diet, I am eating healthier. I am getting stronger and I am losing fat. I am accomplishing my goals set for this offseason.”
Nice. Where are you seeing the changes in your game with all the work?
“No doubt there is a huge change in my pass-pro. My footwork is a thousand times better than at this time last year. I will be very successful this season with my pass-pro.”
You mentioned getting stronger, have you maxed out in the weight room since we last spoke?
“Yes, sir. My bench is now 315, my squat is 460, and my power clean is 265.”
Wow. Those are big jumps from before. Since we spoke last in January, you have taken off on the recruiting trail. How many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers.”
Michael McNutt’s Offer Sheet: Eastern Kentucky, Howard, Jacksonville State, Murray State, and South Alabama
Which schools are showing new interest?
“I am seeing a good bit of interest from Kentucky and Alabama. I visited Alabama a couple of weeks ago and I plan on getting up to Kentucky soon. I have also talked to Auburn some and Virginia Tech.”
You mentioned visiting Alabama, have you visited any schools over the past few weeks?
“I visited South Alabama, they extended an offer, Southern Miss, and I revisited UAB (Alabama-Birmingham) and Western Kentucky. It was nice to go back up there and get a better feel of what is going up there at the two schools.”
How did the Alabama Crimson Tide visit go?
“Oh man. It was a whole different experience. Going to a huge SEC national championship contender like Alabama, it opened up my eyes. It made me want to push myself to another level. Going to a school like Alabama that is a national title contender every year, that is what every kid wants.”
What about Southern Miss, how did that visit go?
“It was a good experience. I met Bret Farve (Green Bay Packers). He was a celebrity coach. They are showing good interest in me. They are sending me a lot of mail and cool edits. It has been a humbling experience.”
And the South Alabama visit, how did that go?
“It was a great visit. They were the second school to extend an offer. I visited in November for a game. This time I toured the whole campus. I got a better feel for everything on this this visit. They have a beautiful school and I love the coaches there.”
Which schools are you visiting upcoming?
“I am going to Troy this weekend and I want to get a visit to Kentucky in soon.”
The visit to Troy this weekend, what has you excited about that?
“I am very excited to meet the new staff. I had a good relationship with Coach Moore before he went to West Virginia. I hope to set up a similar relationship with Coach (Ryan) Pugh, their new offensive line coach.”
What are the college coaches telling you they like about your abilities as an offensive lineman?
“They like how I am a brute force. They like that I am huge but that I have agility. One thing every coach has said, they are really happy that I have lost weight. They are telling me that I look a hundred times better. Everyone believes this will be a successful senior season for me.”
Are you planning on competing at any college camps?
“Yes, sir – a good bit. I plan on competing at camps with Missouri, Auburn, Alabama, all have invited me, as well as Tennessee, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Southern Miss and Western Kentucky as well. I am also going to the Nike Opening Regional in Nashville (May 19).”
Is there an area of your game you want to showcase at the upcoming camps?
“I want to show I have improved my pass-pro and that I am more agile more than before. That was a weakness that has now become a strength.”
Michael, it was great catching up with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you a successful visit with Troy this weekend.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: McNutt family; Michael McNutt at South Alabama