Juggling responsibilities on the field can be difficult, but if anyone could handle two roles it would linebacker Rashaan Evans. The rising junior has accepted a role to play both inside and outside under defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt.
Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Keith Holcombe are all being work inside with Reuben Foster, due to the departures of Reggie Ragland and Dillon Lee. Despite a few mental errors, one cannot deny the speed Evans has to attack quarterbacks.
Having that type of acceleration on the inside and outside will be nightmare for opposing offensive linemen next season.
The 6-foot-3, 230-pound linebacker was a standout in two scrimmages, totaling 15 tackles and two sacks.
He was impressive in front of 76,212 people on A-Day, recording 17 tackles (led both teams), a tackle for loss and a sack. Evans’ lateral quickness was helpful in his 10 solo tackles.
He received the Jerry Duncan “I like to practice” Award, along with linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton (five tackles, tackle for loss) and tight end Hale Hentges (three catches, 12 yards).
Evans was one of multiple players that spoke to the media after last week’s spring game. The former five-star recruit said he felt “really comfortable” on the field.
“I felt really good,” Evans said. “I felt like I could have done a little better though, but just being out there was really exciting. Just playing with my teammates is pretty much the main thing.”
Prior to A-Day, media personnel got a chance to speak with Shaun Dion Hamilton back on March 30. He said Evans was doing a really good job in spring practice.
Shaun Dion Hamilton speaks on Alabama OLB Rashaan Evans. pic.twitter.com/lp3gQlcPyb
— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 30, 2016
“Coming from outside to inside, he [Evans] is a guy with a high motor,” Hamilton said. “When he sees the ball, he is definitely going to hit you good. He is always flying around. Great practice player.”
Moving forward, all Evans wants to do is make improvements. He mentioned to the press that he wants to continue staying in the playbook and put on some more weight.
“Whatever I can do to contribute to the team basically,” Evans said. “I am just going to take the lessons that I’ve learned in the spring and some of the little things that I’ve learned and just kind of build off it and get ready for the fall.”
He’s collected 25 tackles, six tackles for loss and five sacks in two seasons.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
