STARKVILLE — For most of the spring season, Mississippi State University defensive tackle Quay Evans has been in the learning stage.
Typically, players Evans’ age are deciding what they will wear to their prom. But the highly recruited player from Morton High School decided to graduate from high school early so he could be eligible for spring workouts at MSU.
Evans’ choice paid off Saturday in the annual Maroon-White spring game at Davis Wade Stadium.
In his first game on MSU’s home field in front of a crowd of 22,604, the four-star recruit had two sacks in the first half and was disruptive early and often from his inside position.
“I’m positive Morton High School doesn’t have crowds like this, so for him to go some good things under this pressure is nice to see,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said.
Since Evans, a 300-pounder, had little concept of the Bulldogs’ defense, he had been relegated to the second- and third-string for much of the spring. Earlier this week, though, Evans received repetitions with the first team, especially in goal-line situations. The work in practice translated to the field Saturday as he had six tackles, including three for loss.
“Hopefully some of the young guys like Quay and (former East Mississippi Community College product) Denico Autry can get the jitters out of the way now so on the season opener against Jackson State they’re ready to roll,” Mullen said.
Evans will battle this fall for time beside senior defensive tackle Josh Boyd as MSU tries to replace All-Southern Conference selection Fletcher Cox, who left school to enter the 2012 NFL draft.
Banks shines on offense in spring game
Johnthan Banks has been pestering Mullen and the offensive coaches for three years to let him relive his days at East Webster High School in Maben and play offense.
He had his opportunity Saturday.
“I asked (Mullen) right before the game today and, to be honest, I was just messing with him, but once he told me I was in, it was exciting, no doubt,” Banks said. “I’ve said it before that if coach Mullen wants me to play cornerback, running back or receiver, I’ll do it. I’ll be the water boy on this team because I love every guy in that locker room.”
The senior, who is a projected to be a All-SEC preseason selection at cornerback, made a 17-yard catch late in the scrimmage. He had another reception opportunity negated by a pass interference call.
“He’s so dynamic with the football in his hands I have no problem with him wanting to play offense because real players don’t ever want to come off the field,” MSU defensive coordinator Chris Wilson said. “The great thing is people think him jumping in on offense is selfish. It’s not. It’s him knowing he can help us there possibly and using his ability for the team.”
Mullen said he would consider using Banks, who is on the punt return team, in some offensive packages now that he has proven his experience at cornerback.
“He’s such a great athlete that now he’s so solid and confident at cornerback that it’s a natural tendency to want to take some reps away to play him on offense,” Mullen said. “It’s a long season, but he has the size and jumping ability to create mismatches, so it’s something we’ll look at, no question.”
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