7/15/2017 football Edit

BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017: No. 11 Craig Evans

Brenden Slaughter • BeaversEdge

Publisher

@b_slaught

In the month of July, BeaversEdge.com is counting down the top 20 Oregon State football players on the 2017 roster.

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Former Michigan State defensive tackle Craig Evans (AP)

No. 11 - Craig Evans

Bio

6-foot-3, 330-pounds

Defensive Tackle

Redshirt Junior

Sun Prairie, Wis.

Sun Prairie H.S./Michigan State/Arizona Western C.C.

(Arizona Western) 2016 stats: 58 tkls, 5.5 sacks, 18.5 TFL’s, 1 FF

2016 Recap

Evans played at Arizona Western CC after spending two seasons at Michigan State. His stats at AWCC tell you that he was an enforcer on the defensive line and can be a “plug” on the defensive line. The most impressive stat to me is his 18.5 TFL’s. It shows me that he has tremendous foot speed and can wreck havoc on an opposing offensive line.

2017 Outlook

Evans was recruited and brought in for one purpose for Gary Andersen - to get pressure on the quarterback. The Beavers have been the worst team in the Pac-12 in terms of sacks since Andersen’s arrival, and the addition of Evans will be the kingpin that changes everything, in my opinion. He is a good enough player to completely change the dynamic of a defense, and the type of guy that makes players around him better. Most JC guys that come in usually have a learning curve, but I anticipate Evans being a day one starter and being one of OSU’s leaders in TFL’s this season.

Greaves' take on Evans

Marcus Greaves will provide analysis for each player in the BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017. Greaves played for Oregon State from 2014-2017 and joined the BeaversEdge.com staff as a football analyst.

The Beavers' new defensive lineman brings relief to a somewhat struggling defensive line. Evans has been part of a very successful Michigan State defense. He brings quickness and relentless attitude to the defensive line. I’m expecting very big things from Evans. After being apart of one of the most dominant defenses in the country, I think it’s going to show in the season. He is very good with his hands, and I think will be able to overpower most Pac 12 O-linemen. He, in my opinion, is going to be the X-factor whether the Beavers' defense lives up to what is expected by Andersen with the 30 sacks and 30 turnovers goal/expectations.