Tennessee signed three projected running backs in the early signing period of the 2020 recruiting cycle, and they’re also still pursuing five-star running back Zach Evans in the 2020 class. But with the Vols due to lose the trio of Ty Chandler, Tim Jordan, and Carlin Fils-aime to graduation after 2020, UT will look to bolster their depth at the position in the 2021 class if possible.
This past week, Tennessee sent out an offer to an intriguing junior college running back who plays for one of the most notable community colleges in the country.
Tiyon Evans is a 5-foot-9, 210-pound running back originally from Hartsville, South Carolina. He now plays for Hutchinson Community College, and he added an offer from the Vols late last week. On the same day, he also picked up an offer from Maryland.
Blessed to receive an offer from The University Of Tennessee @DansleyAnsley #RockyTop #GBO LLSHY LLCAP??❤️ pic.twitter.com/BNyfq6MBYd
— Tiyon Evans (@darealballer_15) January 31, 2020
Right now, Evans isn’t rated by recruiting services, but the 2021 JUCO running back is starting to get attention thanks to a strong finish to his first year at Hutchinson and his versatility as an athlete.
In high school, Evans played quarterback for Hartsville in his senior season and was a three-star recruit, rated No. 421 overall in the 2019 class per 247Sports. He threw for 13 touchdowns and 1,345 yards while also gaining 1,477 rushing yards and scoring 25 rushing touchdowns on 126 carries as a senior. Prior to that, he had rushed for 2,000-plus yards in both his junior and sophomore seasons.
At Hutchinson, Evans was used more as a special teams player early in the 2019 season, but his role expanded as the season went on, and he capped off the year in style with a 194-yard rushing performance against Monroe College to end the season.
Looking at his high school tape, Evans is an explosive athlete who is elusive and hard to bring down. He has a good burst and shifty feet. He’s a smart runner and showed off his strong football IQ by playing quarterback for his team despite it not being his natural position. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands.
In his first year at Hutchinson, Evans carried the ball 61 times for 538 yards and nine touchdowns while also returning 18 kick-offs for an average of 33.8 yards a return, returning two kick-offs for scores according to the school’s website. He also scored on a 27-yard reception and racked up 1,189 all-purpose yards, scoring 12 total touchdowns.
Tennessee currently has six players committed to them in their 2021 class, and one of them is a projected running back. Three-star running back/athlete Elijah Howard from Chattanooga committed to the Vols back in June of 2019.
