Jackson State football signs highest-rated recruit in school history

Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders is on a mission to prove that the HBCU experience is a viable alternative to Power Five schools. Sanders has delivered on recruiting promises as well. Four-star defensive tackle KaTron Evans is the fourth four-star recruit Sanders has signed.

Evans joins Shedeur Sanders, Trevonte Rucker and JUCO transfer De’Jahn Warren as the top-rated recruits of Sanders’ 2021 class, the highest-rated class at Jackson State and any HBCU since high school rankings began.

Evans initially committed to Tennessee when Jeremy Pruitt was head coach. However, after Pruitt’s firing, the 6-foot-4 defensive tackle asked to be released from his National Letter of Intent and Tennessee granted the release.

Out of high school, Evans had offers from Alabama, USC, Auburn, Baylor, and Arkansas.  A Baltimore, Maryland native, Evans played at St. Frances Academy. Upon signing with Tennessee, Evans was at top-200 recruit and the ninth-rated player from Maryland.

Evans put this message on his Twitter:

https://twitter.com/ColtBoyKayy/status/1393642513941024770?s=20

What he brings to the table for Jackson State football

Evans gives the Tigers much-needed size and talent in the trenches. At over 320 pounds, he is one of the largest defensive linemen the Tigers have already. However, Evans is also the most talented lineman the Tigers have.

Jackson State struggled in the trenches all spring. Their pass rush was inconsistent, and they had trouble against the run, especially up the middle of the defense. However, with a space-eater like Evans, linebackers Aubrey Miller and Keonte Hampton can roam and make plays.

What is most impressive about Evans on film is how quick he is off of the ball for a young man his size. In addition, Evans is strong enough to handle double teams and move the quarterback off his spot or re-route a running back.