Michigan’s Chris Evans (12) carries the ball during the Wolverines’ 63-3 rout of Hawaii last weekend. Evans and other Michigan freshmen will look to make an even bigger impact against UCF Saturday. Photo/MGoBlue.com
Chris Evans and other Wolverine freshmen look to continue their success as they take on UCF Saturday at the Big House.
This week, the Wolverines moved up two spots to be No. 5 in this week’s Coaches Poll and AP Top 25. Much of last week’s success in the 63-3 blowout victory over Hawaii can be attributed to the abilities and plays that many of the Michigan freshman made.
One of the top freshman performers was running back Evans, who became the third Michigan freshman running back to eclipse the century mark in his first collegiate game. He joins Walter Cross and Chris Perry as the only other Wolverines to do this. Evans rushed for 112 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 8 carries.
Evans is a three star prospect out of Indianapolis, Ind. Throughout the game, Evans would woo and wow the crowd with his quick feet and speed. This would be apparent on one of the longest runs of the game – a 43-yard touchdown run.
After Saturday’s game, Michigan Head Coach im Harbaugh said he always knew Evans was a special talent.
“What you saw today, is what we see in practice for the last month. He’s a special football player,” said Harbaugh. “Then really you didn’t get to see everything that he can do. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, he can line up as a receiver. You’ll see that at times in the near future and as a returner.”
Evans was not the only true freshman to earn playing time during the game. The nation’s top prospect, Rashan Gary, also saw playing time in the game. Gary contributed on 3 tackles in the game – one solo and two assisted tackles.
Michigan’s freshmen wide outs Eddie McDoom and Kekoa Crawford saw playing time for the Wolverines. McDoom showcased his speed and hands throughout the game as he would have 34 rushing yards on 2 carries and 2 catches for 15 yards. Crawford would contribute with a single catch for 18 yards.
As many as 17 freshman saw game time for Michigan in their victory against Hawaii. These freshman could as well be another deciding factor against an up and coming UCF as first year head coach Scott Frosh looks to turn around a 0-13 team from last season.
UCF is coming into Michigan Stadium after beating the South Carolina State Bulldogs 38-0. Kickoff is slated for noon EST.
