Interview: 3-Star 2020 LB Sean Evans Talks Transfer to Rancho Cucamonga and Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The last two seasons on the gridiron for Sean Evans have been well received. Lining up primarily at middle linebacker, Evans earned All-State honors for the second time in 2018 while taking home first team All-San Andreas League recognition after helping guide Eisenhower (Rialto) to a 35-18 championship win over Highland. A new challenge lays before Evans. The thumper in the box has transferred to powerhouse Rancho Cucamonga and is now ready to help the Cougars achieve the same goals in 2019.
Opposing offenses played keep-away from Evans the best they could during his junior season, but he still finished with 68 tackles, 45 solo, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, and a pick in stats posted through nine games. He even dropped down into the trenches to help out at tackle in Eisenhower’s 3-4 defense. Colleges like UCLA, Oregon State, UMass, Northern Arizona, and Fresno State, among others, are taking a deeper interest in Evans. As they look closer, they will find a 6-0, 227-pound, three-star rated run stuffer who is expanding his role on defense in 2019 to coming off the edge and dropping back into coverage more frequently. They will also find a student-athlete who has already scored a 22 on the ACT.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with Evans covering his move to Rancho Cucamonga while getting an update on his offseason workouts and growing recruiting interests.
*Click link for Oct. 10, 2018, RNG interview with Sean Evans
Interview
Sean, you primarily played middle linebacker in 2018 but also played some tackle/end in the Eagles 3-4 alignment. How did that time in the box with the hand in the ground help expand your football IQ?
“It helped me improve reading my keys and fighting off blocks, something I will work on more in the offseason. It also helped me with my hand movement and footwork. It brought a different physicality to my game.”
Which game last season do you feel was your best?
“I would say the Moreno Valley game (won 29-28 OT). They were a bigger team but I made an impact in the backfield. After that game, other teams started running away from me.”
At linebacker, what were some of the biggest improvements you made last season on the field?
“My biggest improvements were reading my keys, filling gaps, my ball pursuit, and going 100 percent every play.”
Entering the offseason, what do you feel are your overall strengths as a linebacker?
“My football IQ, my vision, my first step, my physicality, and my back pedal has improved.”
What are the key things you are working on this offseason?
“My hips and my first step.”
You recently transferred from Eisenhower to Rancho Cucamonga, how has the transfer gone thus far?
“Great. We are in the weight room every day. I feel the academics at Rancho Cucamonga will better prepare me for college.”
How will the Cougars’ coaches use you within the defensive scheme?
“They will use me at middle linebacker. They said they plan to use me on the edge allowing me to show all of my skills in the box.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“UCLA asked for transcripts, Wyoming has reached out, San Diego State, Fresno State, Oregon State, Hawaii, Buffalo, and Washington are all showing interest. A lot of college coaches have been coming to Rancho – pretty much every day.”
Do you have any planned visits you may take this spring?
“Yes. I plan on visiting UCLA for a spring practice, San Diego State, and Fresno State.”
That will be exciting. Sean, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you. And, I would like to give a shout out to Coach Spon (@CoachSpoon2) for his support while I was at Eisenhower.”
Photo credit: Evans family; Sean Evans