Interview: 3-Star LB/FB Sean Evans Putting Rancho Cucamonga First During Senior Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
We know that three-star Class of 2020 linebacker Sean Evans can play, he has been doing it against California competition since making Upland’s varsity roster as a freshman. He cemented his spot as a rising linebacker in 2017 earning Sophomore All-State honors producing 56 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles in 10 games and bested that with Eisenhower as a junior with 68 stops, 45 solo, eight tackles for a loss, two sacks, and pick. After a transfer to Rancho Cucamonga in January, Evans is showing his is a team-player first even beyond his status on the field. The Cougars needed him on offense this season being the linebacker for that unit as a fullback/H-back. The 5-11, 234-pound, recruit put his personal needs aside helping Rancho Cucamonga (7-3) to a Division 1/2 playoff berth ready to take on Murrieta Valley.
In an RNG catch-up interview, I got time in with Mr. Evans for an update on his season with a look at his recruiting process.
Interview
Sean, you took a big jump from Eisenhower to Rancho Cucamonga this season. How did the season go for you overall on the field in 2019?
“The jump to RCHS was no problem at all. Playing on varsity at Upland as a freshman and playing against Cajon and Rev as a sophomore was way more physical than what I see now. The schemes are more advanced but it’s much less banging on game night. I’ve seen no problems on the field yet.”
They have turned you loose on offense as a bell-ringing lead blocker, what has it been like bringing the pain going the other way this season?
“You know me Ryan, anytime I get the chance to put someone in their back I’m gonna go for it. That’s the only way that I know how to play and the main reason why I play. When you turn me loose, I am playing my game and my teammates feed off it.”
What offensive set are you guys run?
“We are going to do what we do best and run what has made us good all season. Nobody has stopped us yet so we’re going to keep doing what we do until somebody does. And we’ll be ready when that happens too.”
Where were you lining up in the set and how were your skills being utilized?
“You’ll see me split, sometimes in the backfield and sometimes tight on the LOS. Really, wherever someone needs to be contained.”
Was there a challenge you overcame this season that helped make you a better football player?
“Two weeks before the first game I had to work through a severe sinus infection that sent me to emergency room twice and it made me lose 12 pounds in two weeks. I also had some issues with my transfer that made me miss some time. I had two position changes during the season that made me have to mentally adjust too. The issues have made me mentally tougher but with that I have showed my versatility on the field at the same time.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“I think that my best game was the Upland game. I am ranked as the No. 159 player in the state and they have a few players ranked ahead of me. It was fun making my old youth and high school teammates over there prove those rankings. I served many pancakes in that game and played as aggressive as I could. I wore some of them down.”
Nice. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Fresno State, Hawaii, Jacksonville, and Montana State.”
Do you have any planned visits ahead?
“I plan on visiting Fresno State, San Diego State, and a Power 5 that I will name later. RNG will be the first to know.”
Awesome. Thank you. You guys are rolling this season and closed out strong looking tough to beat. How is the team looking after taking down Upland last week?
“The team is very confident and battle tested. We are going to be a tough out and we fully expect to win out.”
What are you expecting from Murrieta Valley’s offense on Friday?
“Murrieta V looks like they blitz a lot on defense and they are pretty good on offense. There may be a lot of points put up. It doesn’t matter as long as we get the “W”.”
Sean, thanks for your time today. It was great catching up with you.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Elijah Hernandez; Sean Evans