2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Hayden Evans, OL, SAGU

• Name: Hayden Evans 
• Height: 6’1.5
• Weight: 270 lbs
• Position: Offensive Line/Full back
• College: Lamar, SAGU
• Twitter: Mhevans34

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

• I grew up in the small town of Santa Fe, TX, where everyone knows each other and High School football is the source of entertainment. I love the community and it’s connection to one another. Years after graduating people still ask how life is and what’s next on my journey and it doesn’t get any better than that!

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

• 1) Film Study 2) Practice 3) Strength and Conditioning. Film is the eye in the sky. Nothing lies about your opponent for that week when you continuously watch his tendencies and moves. Practice is all about perfecting your craft and being intentional in the small details that prepare you for a battle against the guy across from you. Last but not least, Strength and conditioning is also a very important role in the way you perform on Saturday. When you lift every other day and run those gassers after practice you put yourself in the best position to play four quarters of your very best. 

What do you worry about, and why?

• My height has always been a hinderance for me coming out of high school and now to the collegiate level. I was constantly told if I just had a few more inches it would have been a completely different situation, but my coach instilled in me to control the controllable and let everything else work itself out. 

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

• If you don’t fail then your dream isn’t big enough. I’ve have many in my life, but the most influential is when I decided to quit and turn away from the game in my first year of college. I thought I was making the right decision in that moment, but little did I know I was very wrong. It took a lot of effort and hard work to get where I am today with many transcripts later, but I’ve learned from my mistakes and use them to better myself in my future endeavors.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• I believe my teammates see me as the guy who will do whatever it takes to give my all. Leading by example and taking pride in the little things. I’m not a very vocal person, but my actions speak louder than any words could. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

• So many great people have lined up across from me, but I would have to say D’onta Foreman. Ex Houston Texan and now free agent. He was an explosive running back, but also a very athletic defensive player to go up against in high school. 

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 

• Pharmaceutical Sales has been my go to since I can remember. Obviously the next level is my dream and where my passion sits, but I have been drawn to that career field for a long time. 

Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?

• Car. Only because my dad had me outside every Saturday since I was 12 detailing the cars every week. Nothing like a clean ride. 

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

• Ethically, three strangers would be the ideal answer, but blood runs deep. If my family is ever in any situation I would most definitely hold my entitlement to them. 

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

• I would most definitely be Michael Gary Scott. The dude is the epitome of humor. 

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

• Anxiety has been something I’ve struggled with for the last couple of years now. I used to always think it wasn’t real until I experienced how life altering it can be. I think that putting myself in the best positions in life has helped me to not focus on all the negative, but rather the positive. God gives me strength each and every day to continue to fight and prosper. 

What is your most embarrassing moment?

• When i was in junior high my mother wanted to teach me a lesson by coming to school with me one day and sit beside me in all of my classes to make sure I was behaving right. Worst experience ever! 

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

• Last year we were playing Texas Wesleyan in an old fashioned shootout. The game came down to the final minutes and as an offensive lineman I was so proud of my teammates. We never stopped fighting and ended up making a game winning drive to seal the game. We don’t get much credit with statistics, but it is very satisfying to see the fruits of your labor pay off. 

What song best describes your work ethic?

• Power by Kanye West. 

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 

• Mental grit. Our minds are so powerful that they can mislead us in our lives. Once you overcome fear and failure you can push yourself to have no limitations. 

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

• Gracie Dearmond. To experience the joy and life she showed each and every day. 

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 

• Electric Feel. It gives a welcoming presence to come in and be yourself and interact with other people such as friends or strangers. Letting the environment be your oasis from the outside world. 

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

• In my opinion, I would say Teddy Bridgewater. From being a back up to Drew Brees and then to go undefeated with the Saints speaks measures. He is an incredible athlete and quarterback. 

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

• Respect goes a long way. Not everyone will like you in life, but to be respected means so much more to me. We may have our differences, but at the end of the day mutual respect is always better than popularity. 

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

• Tim Tebow. That guy is the definition of grit. From being a heist an winner and national champion at Florida to being cut from many teams in the NFL. He has the desire to be great. He has showed his determination time and time again from going to baseball and being an analyst. Huge respect for that man. 

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

• I hate losing. There is no worse feeling than giving 100% for 3 hours to come out defeated. Football is a team game and if all 11 people on the field aren’t doing their job at the same time it’ll be hard to victorious. 

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

My dad, Steven Evans. Hands down my biggest supporter and fan. Never missed a game in my career. Always wanted the absolute best for me and has done everything in his power to help me reach my dreams. I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support and guidance. On and off the field.