PRO POTENTIAL: Rebels RB Zach Evans Impresses at Ole Miss Pro Day
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OXFORD, Miss. -- His cuts are quick and pristine. His balance should keep him fighting through contact and pushing forward for the hard yards.
And physical? That's one way to describe his running style.
NFL scouts might know little of Ole Miss running back Zach Evans up to this point based on his personality. Evans, who transferred from TCU last offseason, missed the workout session at the NFL Combine earlier this month after dealing with a hamstring injury before the event.
On film, they likely saw a running back with three-down potential who was forced to split reps with SEC-leading rusher Quinshon Judkins.
Those with questions on if Evans can make an impact in the pros can consider them answered following Ole Miss' Pro Day Wednesday afternoon. Evans made sure to leave scouts wanting more after blazing through the 40-yard-dash while tearing up the turf.
"I'm a dog," Evans said. "I'm competitive, super competitive. I'm willing to do what it takes."
Evans posted a 4.45-40 time, which would have ranked him sixth among the running backs at the combine. He also ran a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle and finished the three-cone drill in 7.08 seconds. Both numbers would have ranked inside the top 10 of running backs back in Indianapolis.
The numbers will translate to the NFL with ease. Will it translate to a higher grade come April 27? Even if scouts loved his work, Evans has that "alpha" mentality.
If the numbers weren't top-tier, it's not good enough in his eyes.
"I wasn't happy with none of my tests," Evans said. "But that's just that dog in me."
A three-year role player in college, Evans shined as the leading rusher for TCU under Gary Patterson. In 2021, the 6-foot tailback finished second in the Big 12 in yards per run (7.0), trailing only teammate Kendre Miller. He posted at least 415 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons and scored 4 TDs.
Splitting reps with Judkins, Evans still managed to finish with career-highs in carries (144), rushing yards (936) and touchdowns (9). The Rebels relied on their ground game to carry the load through SEC play, especially with mixed results from quarterback Jaxson Dart hampering the offense.
Teams are interested in Evans' potential. After missing drills at the combine, he's making up for lost time over the next several weeks, visiting franchises nationwide to speak with general managers and head coaches.
Evans said following his workouts that he has already been in contact with the New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders and New York Giants, among others. Later this week, he's expected to visit with the Cowboys, Jets, and Carolina Panthers.
"I'm willing to do what it takes," he said. "I'll jump on special teams if I got to. I just need the ball in my hands."
Evans said he doesn't care when his name is called just so long as a team is willing to bet on his potential. Running backs often aren't slated at the top draft boards, and outside of Texas' Bijan Robinson, most prospects are expected to be selected somewhere on Days 2 and 3.
It's why Evans said he plans to watch the draft at home in Houston, Texas, with his family. He'll prep for the next chapter of his career with those who have been with him from the start, back when he won a state title for North Shore High School en route to becoming a top-three running back recruit in the nation.
Despite being a step behind other prospects due to an injury, Evans made up ground Wednesday in front of all 32 teams inside the Rebels' football facility. While days might become long prior to when the Panthers are on the clock at No. 1 for Evans, it'll all be worth it when his lifelong dream becomes a reality.
Evans delivered one last time in Rebels' gear. His logo certainly will change at the next level. That doesn't mean his work ethic will.
“There’s been a lot of ups and downs," Evans said, "but I’m just here to hopefully show them what I’ve got.”
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