Wes Neighbors - Football Coach - Florida Atlantic University Athletics

Wes Neighbors

Title:
Safeties

At FAU
Wes Neighbors joined the Florida Atlantic staff in January of 2018. The adjustment marked the first time the Alabama native has donned the colors other than that of the Alabama Crimson Tide. But, he is joining familiar faces. He worked with Lane Kiffin at Alabama and he joins his brother Carson, who was a member of the 2017 strength and conditioning staff. To take it one step further, Howard Schnellenberger, FAU’s inaugural head coach and a former Alabama offensive coordinator, was a part of recruiting Neighbors’ grandfather at Alabama in the early 1960s.

In his first year, Neighbors' safety unit was led by senior Jalen Young, a Second Team All-C-USA selection that ended his career tied among all active FBS players with 13 interceptions. He was second on the team with 59 tackles, while Zyon Gilbert was fifth at 51.

The 2019 campaign has seen the defensive backs unit flourish, to the tune of FBS-leading marks in total takeaways (31), turnover margin (+20) and interceptions (21). The INT mark is a new FAU program single-season record. Specifically, the safeties have been paced by Da'Von Brown, third on the team with 69 tackles, and Gilbert, who has two picks, 44 stops, and ties for the team high with eight pass breakups.

At Alabama
After a four-year Alabama playing career, Neighbors began his coaching career as an Alabama student assistant (2011-12) where he concentrated his efforts with the special teams and running scout practice periods. The following year (2012-13), he assumed the role of off-field graduate assistant where he continued to work with special teams. In 2013-14, Neighbors moved once again to defensive intern where he worked with the outside linebackers, organized opponent data and led the scout team unit for a 2013 defense that was ranked No. 5 nationally. He then served one year as a defensive graduate assistant (2014-15). In that role, he assisted the defensive coordinator, worked with the linebackers and helped to develop Butkus winner and All-American Reuben Foster and All-American Reggie Ragland. He moved into the defensive analyst position in Spring of 2015.

During his time at Alabama, as a staff member, the Tide held no lower than a No. 3 national rank (2015) and garnered the No. 2 spot in 2016 and 2017. Neighbors was a part of the Peach and Cotton Bowls, two SEC Championships and the 2015 National Championship.

Collegiate Playing Career
Neighbors was a member of the Crimson Tide from 2008-11, as a safety and as a member of the special teams unit. He is a two-time National Champion (2009-11), and graduated from Alabama, with honors, in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce and business administration. He continued his education in Tuscaloosa earning a master’s of science degree in marketing in 2012. Neighbors was a member of the SEC Honor Roll from 2008-11 and was a Dean’s List member in 2008. He is a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity.

Personal
Born: Jan. 17, 1990
Education: BS. Commerce and Business Administration 2011, Master’s degree in Marketing, 2012