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Michigan Football: Top 5 breakout candidates for 2017

By Ryan McNeill

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 30: Chris Evans #12 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to avoid the tackle of A.J. Westbrook #19 of the Florida State Seminoles in the first half during the Capitol One Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium on December 30, 2016 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

I almost feel guilty picking Chris Evans as a breakout star.

Almost, but not quite. Sometimes it’s okay to steal candy from a baby.

Michigan’s leading receiver from last season, De’Veon Smith, is playing for the Miami Dolphins now, and Evans, the speedy sophomore, averaged 7.0 yards every time he ran the ball as a freshman.

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Now that he’s heading into the season with a year of college football and the role as the main back, look for Evans to post monster numbers. But, for that to happen, he’ll have to be more consistent this season.

As a freshman, Evans averaged 14.0 yards per carry against Hawaii, 13.9 yards per carry against Rutgers and 16.0 yards on one carry against Illinois.

However, he only averaged 2.5 yards per carry against Colorado and 2.0 yards per carry against Michigan State.

That kind of feast or famine from game-to-game will prevent Evans from having a larger role in his sophomore season if Harbaugh can’t rely on him to be consistent. One would assume a larger workload combined with the experience from last season would help Evans to become more consistent this season. But, if not, he may not have the kind of breakout season many expect from him.

I wouldn’t bet against Evans this season.

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