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No. 1 RB Zachary Evans a 'package deal' with new Tide commit
Alabama's latest commitment could have further implications for its 2020 class.
247sports.com
Three-star offensive tackle Damieon George committed to Alabama on Wednesday afternoon following a visit to Tuscaloosa, which could signal a future boon for the Crimson Tide's No. 2-ranked 2020 class. George’s high school teammate is five-star running back Zachary Evans, and the pair have long considered playing together in college.
Evans reiterated that last week in an in-depth interview with 247Sports. Asked if he and George, who had not yet committed to Alabama, planned to play together in college, Evans said: “Yeah. We’re a package deal.”
The five-star running back visited Alabama on Monday and stayed through Wednesday, according to Bamaonline’s Hank South. George, following his commitment, began a visit to Tuscaloosa on Thursday.
It’s important to point out that package deals are often discussed in recruiting by high school teammates and close friends, but they don’t always occur in that fashion. A lot can change, and often situation fits get placed ahead of high school friendships.
However, Evans and George seem serious about this; Evans’ quote to 247Sports last Tuesday was just one of many instances he’s said so in the past.
Evans included Alabama in his top 5 last week, along with Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State and LSU, speaking highly of the SEC’s ability to produce high-level prospects.
“They say the SEC is like the NFL, so I’m trying to be down pat,” Evans said.
The 5-foot-11 junior is rated as one of the best running back prospects in a generation. Ranked as the nation’s No. 1 overall back in both the 247Sports Composite (No. 6 overall) and Top247, Evans said he’d initially like to make his decision before his senior year or at some point during the season, perhaps before the playoffs.
Evans is a dynamic back who led North Shore High School to a 6-A state championship last season. His testing numbers are elite with a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical and a smoking 3.84 shuttle.
Here’s 247Sports’ evaluation of Evans:
“Dynamically athletic running back with prototype size and frame potential relative to the position. Owns college-ready build with frame space to add more bulk. Flashes elite athleticism verified in combine testing environment. Makes it look easy, sometimes to the point that it's deceptive. Shows great top-end speed and outstanding close-quarters lateral mobility confirmed by a 3.91 shuttle. Flashes devastating start-stop-start ability in close quarters, coupled with impressive hesitation stutter. Effortlessly strings moves together in the open field to elude multiple defenders. Chameleon in ability to alter running styles, going from elusive darter to hole-punching, straight-line galloper. Home run hitter with high-volume capability. Patient and presses the line of scrimmage to set up blocks. Size and strength potential could provide high ceiling in blitz pickup. At times dances in the backfield rather than accelerating through the hole. Sometimes an upright runner who presents a bigger target. Does not always finish runs with expected strength. Will try to bounce runs too often. Could get on the field immediately at high-major level and become a Power 5 star, in addition to first-round NFL Draft ceiling.”
247Sports will have much more on Evans in the coming weeks with an in-depth profile of the nation’s No. 6 overall player.
