Sophomore fullback Connor Neighbors has never started a game, has one career carry and has never stepped on the field against the Crimson Tide.

But the Alabama native might have more bragging rights on the line than any of his teammates.

Many may consider Neighbors’ decision to come to LSU as a surprise based on his upbringing in Huntsville, Ala., alone, but his connection to Alabama football is much more personal.

His father, grandfather, brother and uncle all played football for the Crimson Tide, and between them, they have four national championships.

“I don’t want to say I’m the black sheep of my family,” Neighbors said. “I just chose a different path.”

Neighbors said after failing to garner any scholarship offers out of high school, he became more open to the idea of playing for LSU.

It was LSU defensive coordinator John Chavis who eventually convinced him to walk on for the Tigers.

“He said that he could help me reach my goals,” Neighbors said. “I really took that to heart, so I came down here for camp going into my senior year. I just decided to be different.”

Despite the rivalry, Neighbors said his family was fully supportive of his decision, save a few of the younger members.

“When I decided to come down here, my cousins were about 5 or 6 [years old], so they were a little confused at the time.”

It’s clear the Neighbors family has a great deal of respect for LSU.

Wes Neighbors, Connor’s father, said he was not surprised when his son chose to become a Tiger, and even bought his first LSU shirt to wear while he helped his son move in.

“If I hadn’t gone to Alabama, I would have gone to LSU, and if Wesley, my other son, hadn’t gone to Alabama, he would have gone to LSU,” Wes said. “We’ve always liked the campus and the atmosphere. I’m probably the only LSU/Alabama fan alive.”

Given his upbringing, it’s safe to say Connor has a fairly unique perspective on the rivalry between LSU and Alabama. 

He reminisced about Nick Saban going to his house during his sophomore year in high school on a recruiting trip for his brother Wesley.

Wesley played defensive end for the Crimson Tide for two seasons before an injury forced him to quit and later become a grad assistant.

“I’d have to say it’s my favorite week,” Connor said. “Me and my brother have always had a little rivalry between each other; I don’t want to say bragging rights, but sometimes it comes down to that.”

Connor has even more reason to be excited this weekend, as he’s seen significantly more playing time than he did a year ago, and will likely get to take the field in this storied rivalry for the first time in his career. 

“Connor Neighbors is just a wonderful guy,” said LSU coach Les Miles. “…Anything you ask him to do, he does it and does it well. …We look forward to seeing him playing in this game.”

Connor is eager for the game to start this weekend and said most of his family will be in attendance.

What colors his family will be wearing, however, is a completely different question.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Connor said with a laugh. “I think my dad wears black.”

‘I’m probably the only LSU/Alabama fan alive.’