MSU’s Evans building toughness, confidence during strong start

Starkville – Mississippi State’s wide receivers, led by standout Anthony Evans, have been putting themselves through grueling running back drills to build both toughness and confidence for high-pressure moments. Evans, who has recorded three 100-yard games in the team’s first four contests, said the drills hurt but prepare him for the inevitable physical contact on the field.

The moment of reckoning came on Saturday, when with just moments left in a 24-24 tie against Missouri, Evans slyly outmaneuvered his defender and leaped for a crucial touchdown reception. Reflective on that pivotal play, Evans said, “I realized he was flat-footed, so I just went right by him.” His 28 catches for 408 yards on Saturday propelled him towards breaking the school’s season receiving yards record, which would place him among the top five receivers in SEC history.

Alongside his physical grit, Evans has also been steadily building his mental strength, realizing his long-term goals and striving to achieve them for himself and his family. "It’s just confidence, building confidence every day, just realizing my goal," he explained. "I’m looking for something bigger than just being here. I’m trying to set myself up, and set my family up, for the next 40 years, just be a ball player, just give something exciting for the fans to see."

Fellow Bulldog Kamario Taylor was named the Davey O'Brien foundation’s National Quarterback of the Week after his stellar performance against Missouri, where he threw for 360 yards and three touchdowns in a comeback victory. Taylor was also selected to the foundation’s Great 8, from which the weekly quarterback of the week is chosen.