With names like Paxton Lynch, Blake Bortles, Keenan Reynolds, Shane Carden and Teddy Bridgewater among its alumni, the American Athletic Conference has been a quarterback-friendly league in its relatively brief history.
By the time the 2016 season is finished, Dane Evans may well stand above all of the rest in The American’s record book. After splitting time behind center as a redshirt freshman, Evans took over as the starter in 2014, coinciding with Tulsa’s entry to the conference.
Evans enjoyed a fine season in his first year as the starter, throwing for 3,102 yards and 23 touchdowns. But when coach Philip Montgomery came aboard in 2015, and brought his breakneck-pace offense with him, Evans flourished in the new system. He threw for 4,332 yards and 25 TDs, trailing only Carden on The American’s single-season yardage chart. He finished three TD passes shy of Lynch, who was a first-round draft pick, and he is on pace to finish his career as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards.
Beyond the football field, Evans, the son of two teachers, has already earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise and sports science and is pursuing a second degree in management. He was one of 24 college football players, spanning all divisions, to be named to the Allstate AFCS Good Works Team, recognizing Evans’ involvement with number of community service efforts.