You’ll never see his name on a Kansas football depth chart and probably won’t ever see it in a game story. You will see him give the Jayhawks a better shot at winning football games, provided you watch very closely.
Running back Denzell Evans is entering his second season on the roster after transferring from Arkansas. Used sparingly as a short-yardage back, Evans gained 29 yards in 17 carries last season. It was elsewhere that Evans, No. 23, made his mark and earned the respect of teammates and coaches.
“I played on all the special teams, every single unit,” Evans said with pride. “When we started fall camp I told them I want to do it all, I can do it all. I’m going to say kickoff is my favorite because I’d rather hit somebody than get hit. But whatever they need from me, I’m here to do it all.”
Evans’ position coach during spring football of 2016 was Reggie Mitchell, former Kansas running backs coach.
“He told me I should look into (Kansas) so that’s what led me to come here,” Evans said. “He was a big part of it.”
Even though Evans hasn’t been a featured back for KU, he said he doesn’t regret his decision to change addresses as a graduate transfer.
“I love it here,” he said. “I love it, every step of the way. I love it: the atmosphere, the coaches, everybody.”
Having a roster stocked with great talents isn’t a prerequisite for flipping a losing a program. But it is a tough task if the roster isn’t loaded with great attitudes. Evans brings a winning attitude and loves his role as a special teams standout.
