Bearcats Add JUCO Quarterback Jarred Evans To Class Of 2014

Oct 5, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats helmet on the sidelines against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. South Florida Bulls defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Bearcats’ class of 2014 is coming together nicely but one of the major needs that had yet to be fulfilled was a veteran quarterback. Due to the attrition at this position recent years (Trenton Norvell, Stephen Weatherford, Cody Kater), UC has experienced a steady decline in depth here. Thinking ahead to 2014, Cincinnati will boast basically two sophomores (Coney, Kiel), an incoming freshman (Hayden Moore), and potentially Munchie Legaux if he’s granted a medical redshirt. Even that is far from guaranteed. But even if Legaux happens to return in 2014, he would be the only upperclassman quarterback on the roster. Cincinnati needed to bridge the gap between Legaux and the talented youngsters Coney and Kiel somehow. The JUCO circuit was the means of fulfilling that need.

And thus we come to quarterback Jarred Evans from Santa Barbara City College in California. The 6’4″, 188 lbs pocket passer from Queens, New York was recruited by Bearcats QB coach Darin Hinshaw. Evans has thrown for 1,179 yards and 13 touchdowns to just 6 interceptions this season. In addition to UC, he also boasted a scholarship offer from New Mexico.

Courtesy: Scout – http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/112/1120729.jpg

Overview

Bonus Highlights: Sophomore Year Via HUDL

Evans is a tall quarterback with long arms. That is advantageous in that he can generate quite a bit of zip on the football on long passes. But sometimes for quarterbacks with long arms it can cause their wind up to be slow and methodical, allowing defenders an extra second or so to understand his intentions and swat the pass down. Not with Evans. He seems to have a short, compact delivery which helps him get the ball out of his hand quickly. But with all good quarterbacks it starts with the footwork and Evans seems to have those basics down. He shifts his weight naturally between his back foot to his front foot as he drives the pass towards his receiver. My only worry about him is his arm slot when he’s ready to make a pass. Ideally his elbow should be up a little higher, not hanging around his mid-section. That’s something he’ll have to improve during his time at Cincinnati.

Outlook

It goes without saying that the quarterback position between the end of 2013 and the beginning of the 2014 season will be in flux. In all likelihood, either Bennie Coney or Gunner Kiel will be the frontrunners to start next year. But if Legaux is available to play in 2014 it will muck up the situation. Now, with the commitment of Jarred Evans, that clouds it up even more. So it’s tough for me to project how much the JUCO quarterback will contribute to the Bearcats in his first season. At the very least, Evans adds depth and experience to a position that sorely needs it in 2014.