Rashaan Evans gets look at middle linebacker

Any doubts about what type of player Rashaan Evans could be were wiped away Jan. 11 on one play.

Evans, a reserve outside linebacker/special teams member, closed in a hurry on Clemson’s dynamic quarterback Deshaun Watson pulling the Heisman Trophy finalist to the turf for one of his two sacks in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Now Evans, a junior-to-be, is getting a look at middle linebacker during the University of Alabama’s spring practice, and even just two practices in, Evans’ ability is on full display again.

“We recruited him because he had great fast twitch ability to rush on the edge, and he did a good job of that last year,” UA coach Nick Saban said. “We still have every plan to use him at that, but we were looking at where can he develop as an every-down position player the best.

“I've been impressed with what he's been able to do so far. He is naturally instinctive at it, so it's just going to be a matter of him learning the position and him being a linebacker, I don't think that's something that will be overly difficult for him to do.”

At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Evans is big enough to play inside linebacker and his fast-twitch ability that Saban referenced makes him quick enough to rush the quarterback at outside linebacker.

Evans finished the 2015 season with four sacks for minus 28 yards, 10 total tackles and three quarterback hurries. He played in all 14 games but mainly on special teams.

Spring is time for experiments at nearly every position, and Evans at middle linebacker is no exception, as Saban mentioned. His natural ability makes him a natural at outside linebacker but Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams, the team’s top two backers a year ago, return this season.

That is one reason why Evans is getting a look at inside linebacker. With his talents, the more positions he can play the better.

“We did a lot of experimenting in the spring. We want to know who can do what so we know how to put the pieces together in the fall, so we move guys around and play them at different positions and we'll do a lot of that,” Saban said. "He's done a very good job.”

Reuben Foster, a returning starter at middle linebacker, will be looked upon to help lead the defensive unit this year. He said Evans is a giant talent.

“I’ve seen greatness from him,” Foster said.

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.