Healthy Zach Evans feels he has much to prove playing in Texas Bowl in his hometown
HOUSTON, Texas — Ole Miss arrived in Houston, Texas on Christmas Day for the Rebels’ upcoming game against Texas Tech. While it’s an unfamiliar location for some on the team, for one Rebel in particular, Zach Evans, there’s no place like home.
The Ole Miss running back is from Houston. He attended North Shore High School which is just 20 miles from NRG Stadium where Ole Miss will play the Red Raiders Wednesday night.
While at North Shore, Evans led his team to two straight state championships. He spoke Monday on what it means to be back in his hometown for the upcoming TaxAct Texas Bowl saying.
“It feels good. Not many people I know get to come back and play at home.”
Zach Evans
For the majority of his life, Evans has played for a Texas-based team. Out of high school, he received more than 40 scholarship offers before eventually signing with TCU.
Evans entered the transfer portal last year, leaving the Lone Star state for Oxford. Though he has yet to make a decision, this could be Evans’ last game as a Rebel as he is eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft.
“I’m still talking to my mom and stuff about it,” Evans said after Monday’s practice regarding his future plans.
Nonetheless, Evans has decided to play in this game as he feels he still has much to prove.
“I’ve still got a lot to prove to myself. Not only to myself, to my teammates. I know I missed a couple games this year and there’s no excuse for that. I’ve still got a lot to show out there.”
Zach Evans
The junior running back was banged up towards the end of the regular season. After playing in 11 of 12 games — but being limited in three of the last four, Evans feels like he is back to his old self.
“I feel like I’m back 100%, back at it.”
Zach Evans on his health
This season the Ole Miss rushing attack ranked third nationally in yards per game. Evans rushed for 899 yards in 2022 with eight touchdowns. Quinshon Judkins’ ran for 1476 yards and 16 touchdowns, meaning the two collectively rushed for 2,375 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Ever the team player, Evans praised Judkins and the breakout season the true freshman had.
“He grew from a boy to a man. Him coming in and being able to handle the adversity that was being thrown at him and actually being the lead back in some games I wasn’t playing, all that is pretty impressive. It’s amazing.”
Zach Evans on Quinshon Judkins
Game Info
Catch Evans and the Rebels (8-4) as they take on Texas Tech (7-5) in the TaxAct Texas Bowl Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on ESPN
(Feature image credit: Josh McCoy, Ole Miss)
Nick Filipich
Nick Filipich was born and raised in Biloxi, MS. He is an Ole Miss alum with a degree in Sports and Recreation Administration. A sports junkie with a great passion for all things Ole Miss, Nick played baseball and football in high school — which is where he discovered his love for sports. He is an avid Braves and Saints fan, and in his free time enjoys spending time with family, friends and his black lab, Dixie.
