Not Your Average Joe; Evans Among 3 to Earn Schollys

Evans joined the program as a linebacker, but with injuries taking a toll on the defensive end group, the Hawkeyes needed to add depth.

“I remember (linebackers) coach (Seth) Wallace coming into a meeting and he drew the defensive end numbers on the board,” said Evans. “We had three defensive ends left and others were out with injuries. (Wallace) asked what that meant?

“We said one of us was going to have to start playing defensive end.”

Evans transitioned to the defensive line during 2019 spring practices. By the 2020 season, he saw action in eight games as a speed-rush defensive end. He played his way onto the field and was productive, finishing with five solo tackles, two assists and four sacks.

This season, Evans has seven tackles (three solo, four assists) in eight games. He has been disruptive in the pass rush, tallying two tackles for loss, one sack and four quarterback hurries.

“If you’re going to be a walk-on, this is the best place to go, hands down,” said Evans. “I was never treated differently. You don’t know who is on scholarship or who is a walk-on. I knew I needed to develop, so I knew Iowa would be my No. 1 school.

“I grew up an Iowa fan, so if (former assistant coach Reese) Morgan came into the office (at Ames High School), I would come.”

Evans was one of three Hawkeye walk-ons put on scholarship Dec. 7. The others are fullback Monte Pottebaum and wide receiver Charlie Jones.

“We were able to come together in the locker room (after we received the news),” said Evans. “They are so deserving. I know what Charlie has been through and what Potts has been through and to be able to embrace with them was something I won’t forget.”