Published: October 26, 2009 08:58 pm      

Tiger Tuesday: Evans plays with a passion that brings back memories

Tigers senior RB plays with same determination as the best, Ketric Sanford

Cody Evans isn’t the most talented running back I’ve covered in four seasons as the beat writer on Tigers’ football.

That would be Ketric Sanford.

If I had covered the Tigers the last 15 years, it would be Sanford. To get to witness Sanford’s 475-carry season in 1994. Or his five straight 200-yard games in 1995. Or his 376 yards against Whitehouse.

How lucky can a sports writer get? And it seems like it was just yesterday.

For that, we have Evans to thank.

You see, Evans might not have the physical gifts of Sanford — the tree trunks for thighs, the downhill toughness, the speed to the outside — but he has some of Ketric’s qualities.

The unselfishness. The desire. The willingness to play banged up or sick.

There are times when Evans makes it feel like it is 1995 all over again, just because of the joy he has in playing the game, another quality that made Sanford one of the best running backs in Texas high school football history.

Tigers coach Phil Castles said after last Friday’s 32-22 victory over Waco High that Evans was “the heart of the team.” Or as Chuck Williams likes to say, “the heart beat of the team.”

No argument here.

Look, just like Sanford, Evans has plenty of help. The Tigers’ offensive line has steadily improved this season, and had its best game Friday against Waco, helping Evans tie his career-high of 225 yards.

Quarterback Cameron Cutrer and his receivers have taken the pressure off of Evans by making the passing game an option. Fullback Dominic Kelly is a good blocker. Backup running back Johnathan Anderson gives Evans a chance to take a breather and is the future for the Tigers’ running game.

He has the perfect example to follow in Evans.

Fifteen years later, watching another Tiger running back play the game like it’s his last, well, it’s a pleasure.

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