NASHVILLE – Titans fans can't wait to get a peek at running back Darrynton Evans, the team's third-round draft pick out of Appalachian State.
For now, they'll have to rely on the words of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who gave everyone a sneak preview of Evans during a video conference call on Thursday.
"Just a talented guy," Tannehill said of Evans. "He's very explosive, very fast. Catching the football, really natural. When you see a running back catch the ball naturally, whether they're coming out of the backfield or split out wide, it definitely adds another element to the offense and can give defenses a hard time. Really excited about having Darrynton with us."
Evans (5-10, 205) posted 4,642 all-purpose yards at Appalachian State, with 34 career touchdowns. In 2019, Evans produced 2,064 all-purpose yards with 1,480 rushing, 198 as a receiver and 386 on kickoff returns
Evans is a speedster – he ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which was second among all running backs. Evans said he was once clocked at a 4.36 while on campus at Appalachian State.
Tannehill has gotten to know Evans during the offseason – he spent some time training with him in Florida.
"I'm really excited about Darrynton," Tannehiill said of Evans, who also returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, and he racked up 1,439 yards on kickoff returns in his career, along with 319 yards as a receiver. Evans totaled 11 runs of at least 50 yards in his final two seasons.
"I was able to throw with him down in Florida several times over the offseason. And obviously, he's been here as well."
Something else Tannehill is excited about: Derrick Henry getting a new contract.
Henry and Evans should give the Titans a solid 1-2 punch out of the backfield this fall.
"I was really excited," Tannehill said of Henry's deal. "I thought he deserved it and was really happy for him to finally get signed on. I congratulated him and excited to have him back not only for this year, but for years to come."
