Appalachian State has arguably been the story of the early 2022 college football season, as has the Sun Belt in general. Old Dominion upset Virginia Tech in Week 1 (and nearly did the same to Virginia in Week 3), and the Mountaineers and Marshall knocked off No. 6 Texas A&M and No. 8 Notre Dame, respectively, in Week 2.
Week 3’s App State game against Troy had all the makings of an emotional let down at home, even after hosting ESPN’s College GameDay (and bringing hilarious signs).
Facing 4th-and-10 from its own 47-yard line and trailing Troy 28-24, App State QB Chase Brice stepped into a deep pass on the Hail Mary attempt. After some bobbling in the scrum, Christian Horn found himself in possession of the ball and scampered into the end zone for the improbable win.
Even following last week’s nail-biter against UNC, it’s understandable why Appalachian State students wouldn’t make the trip from Boone, North Carolina to College Station this weekend to watch the Mountaineers face off against No. 6 Texas A&M. For one thing, they don’t even have a Waffle House, and Kyle Field isn’t exactly the most joyful atmosphere to be in when you’re losing.
BUT THIS IS COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND WILD STUFF HAPPENS AND APP STATE BEAT THE AGGIES SO DOWNTOWN BOONE IS NOW A PLAYGROUND OF VICTORY AND SPITE.
Twitter user @KiukRyan shared an incredible video of the local reaction after the upset win, which appears to show App State students and fans rightfully losing their minds from two different directions.
The night is yours, App State. Just remember to hydrate.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Appalachian State running back Darrynton Evans
The 2020 NFL draft is loaded with talent at running back, with plenty of big names from powerhouse programs likely to command attention in the early rounds.
But if your favorite NFL team is looking for an under-the-radar prospect who could make an immediate impact at the next level, Appalachian State’s Darrynton Evans could end up being that diamond in the rough.
Evans recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his unique journey to this year’s draft, what he’s looking forward to as the predraft process plays out, and what he thinks about those who doubt him because of his level of competition.
JM: You were a 2-star recruit coming out of high school. You went on to become a two time Sun Belt Championship Game MVP, you were the MVP of the 2019 New Orleans Bowl, you’re a two-time All-Sun Belt first team guy and you were the Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. Wow. As you get ready for this next chapter of your life, how will you reflect on all that?
DE: It’s always a blessing to be recognized for your on-field efforts. None of those accolades will matter at the next level however. Everything will depend on my performance going forward. I’ve worked hard to get where I am today but this is just beginning. It’s all about what I can bring to my next organization now.
JM: This is a long process you’re about to go through, but it’s a rewarding one. What are you most looking forward to?
DE: I’m really just looking forward to competing against the other guys in my draft class. We have some big prospects from some of the most storied programs in the country in this draft class and I’m just out to prove that I belong among them. This appears to be a strong running back class but I’m a competitor at the end of the day. This isn’t a big school versus small school thing. It’s one guy versus another guy. We’re all here to compete and prove ourselves at the end of the day.
JM: What would you say to the scouts that may brand you as a small-school guy?
DE: I would just tell them to ask any team in the country if they’re comfortable playing against App State. They would receive a lot of “no’s” to that question.
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JM: How do you describe your running style?
DE: I would say that I’m an explosive guy. I’m a patient runner but I’m also quick. I’m elusive in the open field. I’m a downhill runner that’s always going North-South but I have the ability to make a quick cut in the open field as well.
JM: You were an excellent return man throughout your time at App State. Is that something you wanna do at the next level? What do you enjoy about that?
DE: Yeah, I most definitely want to return kicks and punts at the next level. I’m just trying to help my team make a big play in the third phase of the game. You always have offense and defense but special teams can sometimes be the difference maker. There’s always some big yardage opportunity to be had there. If I take a kick back 30-40 yards, that’s four first downs gained right there. That puts our offense in a great spot. That field position starts to take it’s toll over the course of a game. Those yards start to add up and those minor victories can change the outcome of a game.
JM: Who are some of the best players you’ve ever gone up against?
DE: I played against Javon Kinlaw this past season. He’s a defensive tackle from South Carolina and he’s a beast. He definitely stood out to me. We played against Penn State last year. The linebacker group they had last year was pretty impressive.
JM: The NFL Scouting Combine is coming up fast. Are you looking forward to any drills in particular?
DE: I wouldn’t necessarily single anything out. I’m just hoping to receive that invite and show everybody what I’m capable of. I’m there to compete. The whole experience looks fantastic. That’s what I’m there for. Let’s take that in.
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JM: Is it true that you’re a big FIFA guy?
DE: Yeah, I love to play FIFA in my free time.
JM: Who do you use?
DE: That depends on what my friends are in the mood for. If we’re playing with international teams, I’ll probably use Brazil, Argentina, France or Germany. If we’re using club teams, I kinda just pick and choose. It depends. If my friend is using Cristiano Ronaldo, I have to use Barcelona and Lionel Messi. It depends on the match-up, really.
JM: Which do you prefer: A touchdown run of 75-plus yards, or touching on the ball 6-7 times on a long touchdown drive?
DE: I would say that it depends on game flow. If we need to get our feet wet and get a rhythm going, it may be more beneficial for us to get a full possession. Those longer touchdown drives can get you in a rhythm for the rest of the game. If we need a quick score, if we’re trailing late or something and need to get more possessions, a quick score is definitely the way to go.
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Appalachian State linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither
The 2020 NFL draft has some big-name linebacker prospects from powerhouse programs, but if your favorite NFL team is looking for the most underrated player at that position in this year’s class, their search should end with Appalachian State’s Akeem Davis-Gaither.
A athletic, versatile defender, Davis-Gaither recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the Senior Bowl, how he’ll answer concerns about his level of competition, and how he’ll look back in his career with the Mountaineers.
JM: What was your experience like at the Senior Bowl?
ADG: I had an awesome experience out there. I really just took things day-by-day. I didn’t really know what to expect. I was the first person in my family to make it down there. I had some teammates at App State that went, we had a running back that went last year but he didn’t get to play in the game due to injury. He was able to give me a little advice about the interviews and what not. For the most part though, it was a brand new experience for me. I went out there with a positive mindset. I was ready to go to work. I went down there and showed them what I’m capable of. It was an awesome experience. I had a chance to meet a bunch of players out there. We’re all working towards the same goal. I got to work with some fantastic NFL coaches and training staffs. It was awesome.
JM: What did you set out to achieve out there? Do you believe that you accomplished your goal?
ADG: I told everybody the same thing all week. My message stayed consistent. I told them in the interview room that I went out there to compete against guys from the biggest schools around the nation. I know that they view App State as a small school. I believe that I showed them that I can play inside the box at my current size. I know they had some doubts about me being able to play inside linebacker and playing in the box in the NFL. My ultimate goal was to quiet those whispers and prove those doubters wrong. I went down to the Senior Bowl and I competed against those guys. I played inside the box with great success.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
JM: What do you think is your best position at the next level?
ADG: I’m definitely an inside linebacker.
JM: Is that consistent with the feedback you’ve received?
ADG: They asked me the same question. They wanted to know what position I think I’ll play at the next level. I told them inside linebacker. They thought I was an inside linebacker as well. That’s where I practiced at all week. I think it paid off.
JM: Linebackers have been getting smaller and more athletic for years now, and you certainly fit the bill. You look and play like today’s linebacker.
ADG: For sure. We don’t need to pigeonhole linebackers into a single position anymore. Look at the guy from Clemson, Isaiah Simmons. He’s playing every position on the field! The title of position, I don’t think that really matters anymore. We can play at different spots. It’s all about being versatile nowadays.
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JM: Earlier you mentioned that you realize that App State is a smaller school. Did any scouts ask you about the lack of competition? How will you answer those questions throughout this process?
ADG: I had a similar question to that down at the Senior Bowl. They asked me how I felt I measure up with some of these bigger school guys. I told them I’ve had a chip on my shoulder my entire life. I came out as a 2-star recruit. I wasn’t highly recruited. I’ve always played with a chip. I’ve always felt that I belong on the biggest stage. I’ve continued to carry that attitude around with me. I’ve been playing with that attitude for five years now. When I step on that field, I know I belong there. I know I can compete with anybody. That’s basically what I told them.
JM: The NFL Scouting Combine is quickly approaching. Are you looking forward to any drills in particular?
ADG: I’m definitely looking forward to the bench press. I’m eager to show everybody how strong I am. It goes back to the position question a little bit, us linebackers are getting smaller and more athletic but we still need to be strong. I’m just as strong as those other guys. I’m a smaller inside linebacker but I have to show that my functional strength isn’t a weakness.
JM: What’s the best lesson any coach ever taught you?
ADG: My dad is actually a coach. I’ve been receiving those lessons my entire life (laughs). He always told me to be better today than I was yesterday. He’s been drilling that into my head since I was a little boy. I really keep that mindset in everything I do. Whether that’s in football or regular life, I try to keep that same energy. That’s what being a dad is all about. Just take things as they come and be better than yesterday. I try to bring that attitude with me into every drill and practice. I do that when I’m reading books in school. It’s all about being consistent.
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
JM: Is there one NFL player in particular that you’re looking forward to squaring off with?
ADG: I would love to play against Deshaun Watson. I’ve met him once, we actually played against him during my freshmen year in college. He’s one of my favorite collegiate players of this era. I always wanted to meet him and play against him.
JM: How will you look back on your time at App State?
ADG: Wow. That’s tough. I’ll be able to smile about it at the end of the day. I’ve said that since the first time I stepped onto campus. I enjoyed going through the entire process of college. I enjoyed everything about it. I know in my heart that I never took a day off. I never took a shortcut. That was my goal throughout college. I don’t have any regrets. I played every game like it was my last. I’ll look back at my time at App State with a smile because I know I gave it my all.
Evans was absolutely electric this season. He finished the year with more than 1,600 total yards and a whopping 26 total touchdowns. Evans is a two-time Sun Belt Championship Game MVP and was also named the MVP of the 2019 New Orleans Bowl. He’s also a two-time All-Sun Belt first team and was named the Sun Belt’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after leading the league in rushing in 2018.
“Four years ago today, I made one of the best decisions of my life by committing to play football at App State,” Evans said in his declaration statement. “While I won’t be physically present in Boone, my heart will always belong to The Rock.”
His decision comes as no surprise, as Evans has achieved just about everything there is to accomplish at App State.
Evans is an intriguing prospect that’s been incredibly productive throughout his collegiate career.
