Thomas Dale two-way football standout Max Evans recently announced he will attend Chowan University this fall.
Evans’s senior year at Thomas Dale was his first on the gridiron. The 6-5, 260 pound all-around athlete originally chose to pursue a career in basketball. According to Max, it did not take long for him to realize his true calling.
“I always loved the two sports but enjoyed basketball more,” he said. “When I played in my first varsity scrimmage I found out I had made the wrong decision.”
All ends lead only to new beginnings. Max’s realization on the hardwood was the start of a football career that, according to his coach, has quite a high ceiling.
“Max is a first year football player that has tremendous upside. He has a chance to be a star player on the D2 level,” said Coach Kevin Tucker. “He has a D1 body and abilities but just needs more football experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if he becomes an All-American.”
Evans played both offense and defense for Thomas Dale this past fall. He is an explosive pass rusher at defensive end but also appeared at tight end for the Knight’s offensive attack. His hoops skills are most apparent as a jump ball threat in the end-zone.
Max received a scholarship from Chowan despite his limited football experience. When asked what this tells him about himself, Evans had this to say.
“Well, it tells me that I have a lot to work on. But it also tells me that if you put your mind to it anything is possible. You just have to work, because you will fail sometimes. I learned that the hard way.”
Evans said he chose Chowan after establishing a connection with the coaching staff upon visiting. The Hawks finished last season with a 6-4 record, and are apparently still deliberating as to where they will play their new beast of an athlete.
“The coaches are still arguing for who gets me at either tight end or d-end,” said Max. “But I’ll play whatever they want. I love any position I play.”
