Key Huskers: #14 Ciante Evans

[NUance]

Key Huskers: Ciante EvansRobin Washut HuskerOnline.com Staff Writer

Evans' strengths

It's rare when a true freshman is thrown into the fire of a Bo Pelini defense the way cornerback Ciante Evans was last season. After starter Alfonzo Dennard went down with an injury against Missouri, Evans filled in nicely in his collegiate debut, making four tackles with two impressive pass breakups.

While he eventually relinquished the spot back to Dennard, the fact that Evans showed he could hang at the D-I level just months out of high school was a testament to how quickly he was able to learn Pelini's defense and develop as a cornerback in the system. With a full year under his belt, his confidence should be through the roof when he takes over as a full-time starter this season.

Most memorable play or moment

With the Tigers knocking on the end zone door, Evans found himself the only Husker between Tiger quarterback Blaine Gabbert and the end zone. On a 3rd-and-goal, Evans met a scrambling Gabbert at the goal line mid air and spun him around short of the score, forcing Missouri to settle for a field goal.

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That goal line hit on Gabbert was a damn fine football play. Evans gives up 50 lbs to Gabbert, but knocked the crap out of him.

 

[Fuzzy]

The hit wasn't great, but it was a huge stop and great determination on Evans part. Meredith mopped up what Evans failed to do on his own.

 

[Malth]

I literally laughed out loud at that hit on Gabbert. Summed up the entire game, imo.

 

[zoogs]

I'd just like to say, this is a great series. Thanks for posting, nuance.