NFL Draft Profile: Zach Evans, Running Back, Ole Miss Rebels
In this story:
#6
Pos: RB
Ht: 5106
Wt: 202
Hand: 1028
Arm: 3158
Wing: 7848
DOB: 5/30/2001
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: North Shore
Eligibility: 2023
Zach Evans
Ole Miss Rebels
One-Liner:
A polished ball carrier with game-breaking tendencies, if Evans can show efficacy in Lane Kiffin's passing scheme, he will enter the draft as one of the top running backs.
Evaluation:
Taller back with limber frame. Plays above his size, issuing punishment on every carry. Pad level and power shine, allocating tough yardage. Burst and lower body strength rupture him through arm tackles on way to the second level. Displaces should-be tacklers with a forceful stiff arm and distinguished contact balance. Uses quick feet and reaction acuity to hit the right gap at the right time. Vision is sharp, using acute angles to get upfield. Expert in ball security, with awareness of incoming punches. Multiple long gains, addressing any questions about a second gear. Unquestionable competitive toughness and stamina, bringing tempo and energy consistently. Fairly tight in the hips, leaving something to be desired in terms of make you miss ability. Slimmer frame for a lead back. Overall inept in pass protection. Not a wide variety of snaps as receiving back, even fewer on mid-deep route concepts. Defensive style of the Big-12 conference garnered some of his big plays. Evans has a diverse skill set as a ball carrier, welcoming to any scheme and playstyle. As complete as he is as a runner, the same can not be said when he is on the field on passing downs. If Evans can show he is versatile in the passing game and continue his running attributes in the SEC, he could find himself amongst the top backs selected in the draft.
Grade:
2nd Round
Background:
Zach Evans comes to Ole Miss from TCU and is ready to help his team. At TCU, he had an impressive yards per carry rate which ranked second nationally for all true freshman. Accolades during his time at TCU include Second Team All Academic and All Big 21 in 2021. From Houston Texas, where he attended North Shore High School, he was a five star recruit and the sixteenth overall prospect by ESPN. With his experience for TCU, he will look to carry that over the Ole Miss.
Quotes:
“Ole Miss RB Zach Evans, transfer from TCU. Natural runner of the football /Understands how to set up blocks. Has the speed to gash defenses for 30-40 yard runs Expecting him to have a big-time year in this Lane Kiffin offense.”
Keith Sanchez, TheDraftNetwork Via Twitter
“Zach Evans - Ole Miss-Evans has the talent to be a Heisman Contender if he gets enough touches. Evans averages an outstanding 7.3 ypc. In his career he's rushed for 1,063 yards 9 TDs & caught 18 passes for 206 yards 1 TD.”
