Q&A with ULM Warhawks quarterback Caleb Evans

With the Sun Belt’s highest scoring offense in 2017, the ULM Warhawks had a lot going for them in last year’s campaign. A deep stable of running backs, an explosive receiving group, and an emerging star quarterback put the Hawks on the map and earned them loads of preseason hype heading into the 2018 season.

That emerging star quarterback, and the man who tied it all together, is junior Caleb Evans, whose sophomore campaign saw him put up 3,451 total yards and 30 touchdowns, a feat that only one other player in ULM history has accomplished. He did it both through the air and on the ground, throwing for 17 touchdowns and rushing for an additional 13.

Earlier this offseason, Evans was named to the Maxwell Award watchlist. That list is a compilation of players from across the nation who could contend for best player in the country. It is a prestigious recognition, and will surely point lots of eyes towards Evans this coming season. Dual-threat quarterbacks are always favorites to contend for this award, and with his skill set, the explosive weapons around him, and a veteran offensive line, Caleb Evans could certainly be in contention.

Evans was gracious enough to answer a few questions for me. We spoke on his expectations for himself and his team, as well as where he sees the program going. Check it out below.

Jacob Young: As one of the select few to be placed on the Maxwell Award watch list, what does that honor mean to you and what would it mean to you to bring that award to Monroe?

Caleb Evans: It means a lot, it lets me know that my hard work is being noticed but also it’s humbling to remind me that there is always more work that needs to be done. So it’s a blessing to be on that list with other great college players and would mean a lot to bring that award back to the city of Monroe and to this campus.

Jacob: You put up some very impressive numbers as a sophomore and caught the eye of a lot of people. What steps do you feel you’ve taken heading into your junior year as your team looks to contend for a conference title?

Caleb: Well we all have been working hard this off season, as well as I, to get bigger, faster, and stronger, and more grasp of the playbook and assignments that we handle. That way we know that if each person is doing their job the success we want will follow.

Jacob: Many in the media are saying your team has the most talent and depth at the skill positions (in the Sun Belt Conference). Does having such explosive weapons around you make your job easier?

Caleb: Most definitely we have amazing athletes here so anytime I throw them the ball or hand them the ball I know at any moment it can go for a touchdown. So it’s definitely fun and makes my job easier playing with the guys I have.

Jacob: What would it mean to you to lead this team to the first ever Sun Belt Championship Game?

Caleb: That would mean a lot for me and this program and my teammates. ULM has had a winning culture so to bring it back here and win the first Sun Belt Championship Game would be great.

Jacob: Last one for you. It’s obvious that Coach Viator has built a firm foundation and is committed to bringing winning football to ULM. Where do you see the program headed both short term and in years to come?

Caleb: Well short and long term I see the program being really successful. Coach V, along with the coaching staff he has put together, have a winning mentality and with the players that get recruited I see only success for the program

Thanks to Caleb for taking the time to speak with me. You can follow him on Twitter @caleb_the_king1