Rashaan Evans: Journey to Draft Day Part IV
In 2014, a prospect with a family history draped in orange and blue decided to etch his name in crimson and white.
Auburn native Rashaan Evans chose to sign with the Crimson Tide over his hometown Tigers. He was considered one of the top linebackers in the 2014 recruiting class and a Parade and MaxPreps All-American out of Auburn High School.
Over the course of the next four seasons, Evans racked up 137 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks while helping Alabama achieve two national titles and three SEC championships.
In his senior season, the Auburn native recorded 74 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six sacks en route to First Team All-SEC and All-American honors.
In this week’s discussion with Gary Harris, the former Crimson Tide linebacker looks ahead to next week’s combine as well as the advantages that the University of Alabama provides for their NFL prospects.
The 2018 NFL Combine takes place from February 27-March 5 and will feature over 300 of college football’s top athletes who will train in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams.
With a little over seven weeks between the national championship game and the NFL Combine, Evans mentioned being healthy as one of his primary keys coming off of a 14-game season for Alabama.
“The number one thing for me was just to get healthy and after I did that, the rest of this stuff will take care of itself.” Evans said.
In addition to health, he revisited his time in the 40-yard dash and elaborated on the importance of technique regarding his 40-yard dash performance.
“It’s really just technique. I feel like the number one thing with the 40 is really those first 20 yards. If you can get up to your peek speed as fast as possible, that goes a long way.” Evans said.
Since Nick Saban’s arrival at Alabama in 2007, 22 players have been selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. As part of his preparation for the draft, Evans mentioned the advice he has received from several former Crimson Tide players.
“They just tell me to really just be myself. Don’t make this part of your experience so stressful, just really let it all come to you and then the rest of it can take care of itself.” Evans said.
In addition to advice on preparing for the draft, the former Alabama linebacker shared information that he has received from former Crimson Tide players regarding life in the NFL compared to playing under Saban.
“A lot of guys that come back from experience in the NFL, they always tell me it’s a lot easier.” Evans said. “Coach Saban, he’s really probably the 33rd team to be honest with you.”
Evans later commented on the process of spring practice at Alabama, Tosh Lupoi’s expected promotion to defensive coordinator and the futures of Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback.