Interview: 2021 Oklahoma LB Gunner Evans Filling the Middle for Cushing
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
During the 2019 season, Gunner Evans was cracking domes for Rejoice Christian eating up anything that came into his zone at inside linebacker. The 6-3, 235-pound, defender dropped 46 ball carriers, 20 times on his own, with seven tackles for a loss in stats posted through seven games. The Eagles made a deep run into the 2A Oklahoma playoffs securing a 14-1 record. Evans’ senior season has a heavier weight taking on the challenge of 4A squads with Cushing High School. As the Tigers prepare for a deep playoff run of their own, Evans is drawing attention to his skills in the box. Holding down a 4.35 weighted GPA with a 25 on the ACT, Hendrix has offered with other programs picking up interest.
In an RNG first-look, Evans sat down for a one-on-one ahead of the Tigers (4-1) sixth game of the 2020 season.
Interview
Gunner, the 2019 season was highly successful one for you and the Eagles making a semifinal run colliding against eventual state champ Ringling. How did that success, and perhaps a little bit of frustration, help motivate you this offseason?
We were all pretty mad after that game being so close to a championship that we wanted.
When you went into the offseason preparing for your senior season, what small details to your game did you work on as a linebacker?
I started training with Coach (Tom) George learning how to move better in space, loosening up my hips, and working on my drops. My hips were tight and my footwork was iffy last season.
Gunner Evans with Coach Tom George (right)
How did you add more power to your game?
Coming back from a back injury, I started power and hang cleaning again, that has helped a lot. Over the summer, I was doing box jumps, running on my own, and a lot of the basic everyone was doing. I was doing it all on my own because of COVID.
What did you do to increase your speed and quickness in space?
I did a lot of different drills. I was working the ladder, dot drills, running downhill, shuffling, and cone drills.
Last season you were lining up in the middle behind a three-man front, what defensive scheme are you lining up in with the Tigers running in 2020?
We are in a 4-3. I am in the middle still.
What are your responsibilities within the scheme?
Going downhill, tackle to tackle, filling my gap, and playing inside-out.
After all the hard work put in over the spring and summer, five games into your senior season where are you showing the biggest improvements in your overall game?
The biggest is my speed downhill. I am a lot faster, my drops are better, and I am moving better around the field.
What are your overall goals for the 2020 season?
I’d like to play college ball. I am hitting the gym even harder this offseason and getting back to work.
Overall, how is Cushing looking as a team?
We are 4-1 going into a big game (vs. Tecumseh). We have young skill players, but an older offensive line. We are looking good this year.
Let’s talk some recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
When I was training at OBU (Oklahoma Baptist) with Coach George, they started talking to me and Hendrix in Arkansas has offered.
The extended dead period has limited opportunity for visits, but have you had a chance to take within the last year?
Yes, I visited Hendrix.
How did the visit to Conway (AR) go?
It was a really good visit; we went late this summer. The coaches were great.
Do you play any other varsity sports?
Yes, sir. Baseball. I plan on playing this year too.
Which positions?
Catcher, some at third and first base. I am a switch hitter.
Nice. What is your cumulative GPA?
Unweighted it is a 4.0. Weighted, I have a 4.35.
Impressive. Have you had a chance to take the ACT and/or SAT?
Yes, sir. I got a 25 on the ACT. I plan on taking it again.
Gunner, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the team a successful run until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Evans family; Gunner Evans