Wednesday, January 05, 2011

Soul signs former NFL DL Evans

The Philadelphia Soul have signed veteran offensive/defensive lineman Willie Evans for the 2011 season. 

Evans previously spent time on the practice squad with the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints and New York Giants.

“Willie is a violent defensive player that will be a dominant force wherever he lines up,” said Soul head coach Mike Hohensee.  “What he may lack in Arena Football experience, he more than makes up in ability and football intelligence.”

During his senior season at Mississippi State in 2005, Evans earned Associated Press All-American third team and consensus All-SEC first-team honors.  He started ten games at left end, ranking third in the nation with 15 sacks and fourth nationally with 24.5 tackles for loss.  His 60 tackles (42 solos) ranked second among conference down linemen and he also caused two fumbles, deflected three passes and intercepted another.

In his junior season, he lined up at left end in two contests and spent the rest of the year on the right side.  The second-team All-Southeastern Conference pick totaled 67 tackles (47 solos) with 5.5 sacks and ranked third in the SEC with 14.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage.  He also caused and recovered a fumble.

In 46 games at Mississippi State, Evans started 35 times, recorded 219 tackles (139 solos) and finished third in school history with 24.5 sacks for minus 145 yards.  He also finished third all-time with 48.5 stops for losses of 211 yards.  Evans caused six fumbles and recovered two others.  He deflected five passes, intercepted another for a 4-yard return and carried once for 2 yards.

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