Heath Evans - UCLA - NSFL class of 22
Evans has surprisingly declared for the NSFL class of 22 draft, making him eligible for the upcoming DSFL draft. Many are questioning this decision as this prospect is still raw, having joined the UCLA Bruins only three seasons ago - including a redshirt season to start his American Football career.
Evans was recruited to UCLA from Melbourne, Australia where he was a highly touted flanker prospect for the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Club before stepping onto the Gridiron with the Melbourne University Royals. While the transition from Rugby to Football had a tough beginning, Evans showed flashes of brilliance mainly through feats of athleticism.
While his understanding of the game has still been under question the talent that led him to early success in his rugby career shines through his raw speed and endurance. His time at UCLA saw Evans try out at a multitude of positions before settling on TE and this flexibility will benefit his future team greatly.
The biggest knock we've found on Evans so far from his UCLA game tape is a frequent display of confusion and lack of footwork/technique in blocking situations. While the Bruins have spent time developing his skills on this area, there is still much work to be done and Evans can frequently be seen working on his technique in practice.
An understated benefit the team who drafts Evans will find is that he has stood out on tape as a special teams player, while his raw rugby tackling techniques do not translate directly to Football, he has an uncanny ability to find himself in position to make a play and due to size and speed is an intimidating presence for any kick returner or blocker.
NFL Player comparisons
Floor: Ladarius Green
A harsh but fair comparison, we find ourselves drawing the eye to the athleticism of Green and his inability to develop further despite this. The ex-charger/steeler showed frequent flashes of potential but was never able to turn this into long term success due to injury and lack of development.
Ceiling: Antonio Gates
Evans has stated this is the player he modelled his game after most as a cross sport athlete. While there's still significant development to reach Gates' HOF level of blocking talent, the size and speed of Evans should lead him to make an impact early in his career through the receiving game like the ex-basketballer.
Summary
As a 6'5 245lb prospect with speed and endurance, whichever team drafts Heath Evans will be taking a chance. He is a high risk/high reward pick that could pay serious dividends. An all around average skillset along with raw athletic talent should help him to see some immediate success in the DSFL, but whether the new format of football suits Evans or not long-term as he moves towards the NSFL is yet to be determined.
WC:492
Evans has surprisingly declared for the NSFL class of 22 draft, making him eligible for the upcoming DSFL draft. Many are questioning this decision as this prospect is still raw, having joined the UCLA Bruins only three seasons ago - including a redshirt season to start his American Football career.
Evans was recruited to UCLA from Melbourne, Australia where he was a highly touted flanker prospect for the Melbourne Rebels Rugby Club before stepping onto the Gridiron with the Melbourne University Royals. While the transition from Rugby to Football had a tough beginning, Evans showed flashes of brilliance mainly through feats of athleticism.
While his understanding of the game has still been under question the talent that led him to early success in his rugby career shines through his raw speed and endurance. His time at UCLA saw Evans try out at a multitude of positions before settling on TE and this flexibility will benefit his future team greatly.
The biggest knock we've found on Evans so far from his UCLA game tape is a frequent display of confusion and lack of footwork/technique in blocking situations. While the Bruins have spent time developing his skills on this area, there is still much work to be done and Evans can frequently be seen working on his technique in practice.
An understated benefit the team who drafts Evans will find is that he has stood out on tape as a special teams player, while his raw rugby tackling techniques do not translate directly to Football, he has an uncanny ability to find himself in position to make a play and due to size and speed is an intimidating presence for any kick returner or blocker.
NFL Player comparisons
Floor: Ladarius Green
A harsh but fair comparison, we find ourselves drawing the eye to the athleticism of Green and his inability to develop further despite this. The ex-charger/steeler showed frequent flashes of potential but was never able to turn this into long term success due to injury and lack of development.
Ceiling: Antonio Gates
Evans has stated this is the player he modelled his game after most as a cross sport athlete. While there's still significant development to reach Gates' HOF level of blocking talent, the size and speed of Evans should lead him to make an impact early in his career through the receiving game like the ex-basketballer.
Summary
As a 6'5 245lb prospect with speed and endurance, whichever team drafts Heath Evans will be taking a chance. He is a high risk/high reward pick that could pay serious dividends. An all around average skillset along with raw athletic talent should help him to see some immediate success in the DSFL, but whether the new format of football suits Evans or not long-term as he moves towards the NSFL is yet to be determined.
WC:492