Interview: 5-Star 2021 Virginia DT KaTron Evans Covers Season and Recruiting

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In a nod to the kind of season the KaTron Evans had in 2018, most players coming off an 0-10 season do not get a whole lot of recruiting attention. Yet, Evans was so dominating in the trenches as a defensive tackle for Granby High School (Norfolk, VA) college coaches could not afford to bypass his talents. So far, 25 college programs have extended offers to the punishing 6-4, 298-pound, recruit pushing his status to a five-star rating.

With a big offseason of work ahead and recruiting interest and opportunities still growing, I sat down with the Class of 2021 star for an in-depth interview.

Interview

Katron, you had an explosive sophomore season for Granby. In your own words, how did the 2018 year play out for you personally?

“It was good. As a team it didn’t go great, but personally it was a good season.”

How did your game improve from your freshman year to the end of your sophomore season?

“In the offseason, I worked on getting stronger, I worked on firing off faster, and I worked on having a better stance; I think all of that showed this season.”

You had a really sweet pick-six last season, a rarity for defensive tackles. Walk me through that play if you will?

(Laughs) “I got through the hole as the QB tried to roll out but the running back stayed home so I stayed with him. The QB threw it back and I got it.”

And you out ran the running back for the score.

“I am faster than most people think.”

You showed it. You live in the opposition’s backfield, was there an offensive lineman or a double-team duo that presented a challenge to you?

“The offensive linemen for Maury, they did a good job.”

How did that challenge against Maury make you better?

“Their linemen were not that big but they were skilled. Their center and one of their guards were good. They made me use more technique than I usually do.”

In your best game last season, what did you do well to make it your best?

“In my best game I had two sacks and over 12 tackles. I also had two pancakes that game playing on the offensive line.”

Entering the offseason ahead of your junior year, what do you consider to be the strengths of your game?

“My strengths are my fire off, I use my hands well but I can work on it more. I would have had more tackles if I used my hands more. I have to work on my technique more.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Ole Miss, Ohio State, Auburn, Notre Dame, Louisville, and TCU.”

Nice. I know you are a hit on the recruiting trail. How many offers do you have now?

“I have 25 offers.”

Which schools were the last couple to offer you?

“Duke, Alabama, LSU, and Clemson.”

Evans’ offer sheet: Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, NC State, Nebraska, Georgia, Maryland, Florida State, Rutgers, Penn State, Norfolk State, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Southern Miss, Tennessee, Central Florida, LSU, Missouri, Duke, Texas A&M, and Virginia

Impressive. Did you get a chance to take any unofficial visits during the 2018 season?

“Yes. I went to Virginia Tech and UVA (Virginia).”

How did the Virginia Tech visit go?

“It was great. I went up there with two other recruits, we had a great time.”

And the UVA visit, how did that go?

“That was a good visit as well. We went up there for their game against Louisville.”

Do you have any planned visits for this spring?

“I should be visiting Syracuse soon and I am hoping to visit Clemson again.”

KaTron, it was great talking to you today about your season and recruiting process. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Evans family; KaTron Evans at Virginia Tech and Virginia