Interview: Going into the Box with All-State 3-Star 2020 California LB Sean Evans
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If college football recruiting worked like a Smartphone map, the location for Class of 2020 linebacker Sean Evans is now findable for college scouts. With a great start to the 2018 campaign, and after a sophomore season earning Cal-High Sports All-State honors, the pin drop on the map is about to become a destination spot sought out time and time again by collegiate coaches.
In the best and simplest of terms, Evans is a linebacker’s linebacker. At 6-0, 227-pounds, he is a hard-nosed player flying around the field ready to knock any and all ball carriers on their butt. In 10 games during the 2017 schedule, Evans racked up 56 tackles, 35 solo, with five tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles. Out of team need, Evans is playing end for Eisenhower High School (Rialto) this year already coming up with 25 stops, 18 solo, with two sacks in just three games, and that is with offenses scheming to stop him.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the rising three-star rated recruit to find out how his game has grown in the box with a quick recruiting update.
Interview
Sean, how have the first four games of the 2018 season gone for you so far?
“It has been going great.”
You had a great season last year as a linebacker, where all are you lining up on the field this year?
“My coaches have switched me around, they have me playing some edge this year at defensive end. I am doing what I can to help my team out.”
Are you liking playing defensive end?
“I am doing what I have to do. Playing end is preparing me for next season and it is better for the team.”
By record, the Eagles are much improved this year over a year ago, what are some of the differences allowing you guys to surpass last year’s win total already?
“Last year, we were all sophomores playing against a lot of teams loaded with seniors. We have learned from that experience and we have improved as a team.”
When you left the field in 2017, what did you consider to be the strengths of your game as a linebacker?
“I was very aggressive and physical. I played the line of scrimmage really well.”
What did you work on this offseason to improve your game?
“I went into the sand pits, ran on the speed treadmill, and worked on my lateral movement. I worked with Coach Rob from Rharebreed. I did a lot of lifting to get my strength up.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your skillset overall?
“I feel more mature on the field this year. The game has slowed down. My outside containment has improved a lot.”
The first three games of the season the Eagles flew past the competition (Miller, Glenn, and Ontario) with relative ease. On Thursday, Moreno Valley challenged you guys going to a 29-28 overtime win. What were some of the highlights of the game for you personally?
“Learning from my position coach, I did a good job of taking on blockers and going underneath blockers. I was going against 300-pound linemen and I was holding my own as a 6-0, 227-pound, linebacker.”
How are teams scheming against you this season in an attempt to take you out of the game?
“They double team me, try to chop block me, pull at me, and run away from me.”
What goals have you set for the season?
“My goals are 10 sacks, 70 tackles, and earning All-State at end/linebacker.”
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Florida, Northern Arizona, and UTEP.”
Which college camps did you attend over the summer?
“I went to a Redlands camp with Colorado and Washington; it was a mega camp with a lot of college coaches there.”
What did you do well at the camp?
“I did well with my footwork, the linebacker drills, coverage, and in the one-on-one drills.”
The Eagles have six games left, which games left on the schedule are big rivalry games the fans should most definitely come out in support?
“Rialto and San Gorgonio. Those are big games for our school dating back to the 80’s and ‘90’s.”
What kind of linebacker are you on the field, are you a talker or do you let your play do the talking, or both?
“I am more of a talker.”
We talked about your personal goals, what are the team goals for this season?
“We are looking forward to a CIF ring and being undefeated. I want to say how much I appreciate my coaching staff and teammates.”
Sean, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Please help keep RecruitingNewsGuru.com a national site aiding in bringing exposure to amazing student-athletes!
If RNG has helped you, a friend, or a family member through an article, video, or stylized interview with our countless hours of free promotion for high school, junior college, and college athletes – please donate. Any amount is appreciated!
Photo credit: Evans family; Sean Evans