Tag: Scott Evans

Former All-Big 12 linebacker, Norman native announces his retirement

On Sunday, Jordan Evans announced his retirement from the game of football after a six year pro career.

After a six-year professional career, five of which were spent in the [autotag]NFL[/autotag] and one in the [autotag]XFL[/autotag], former All-Big 12 linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners, [autotag]Jordan Evans[/autotag] announced his retirement from the game of football.

Evans grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, and attended Norman North High School. He is the son of three-time All-Big 8 defensive tackle [autotag]Scott Evans[/autotag], who also played for the Sooners.

Evans had a standout career from 2013-2016 in Norman. He was second on the team in tackles in 2015 and led the Sooners in tackles in 2016. He was a first-team All-Big 12 selection in 2016 and earned All-Big 12 second-team honors in 2015. He also led the team with four interceptions in his senior season.

I reached out to Evans, and he said Oklahoma helped make him who he is today.

“Playing at OU was a time I’ll never forget,” Evans said. “Inquired some of my most fondest memories. Met some of my closest friends. Was coached by great coaches and an icon in all of college sports (Bob Stoops). Playing for your hometown is not common, and being able to do that was one of my biggest blessings, and as I look back on it, I’m grateful for that opportunity. I owe a lot of my success and who I am to OU.”

Evans was drafted in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft and spent five seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. As for what’s next, Evans tells me he is getting his MBA but wants to start coaching.

Seeing that he developed from a three-star recruit to an all-conference performer to an NFL draft pick, I’m sure whatever he decides to do, he’ll be successful at it.

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Remembering a pair of father-son duos to play for the Oklahoma Sooners

Remembering a pair of father-son duos to play football for the Oklahoma Sooners.

On Father’s Day Sooners Wire takes a look back at a pair of father-son duos to play football for the Crimson and Cream. There is one duo that immediately comes to mind but they didn’t each play for Oklahoma. The former head coach that brought the last national championship to Norman is one-half of this duo. Bob Stoops grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, and would play his college ball for the Iowa Hawkeyes before heading into the coaching ranks. His son, Drake, now plays wide receiver for the Sooners. He caught the game-winning touchdown against the Texas Longhorns in the 2020 Red River Rivalry game.

There are two other duos coming to mind on this Father’s Day, so we start with the Evans.

Scott and Jordan Evans

Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

Scott Evans, the father of Jordan, played for the Oklahoma Sooners from 1986-1990. He was also on the defensive side of the ball as a defensive tackle for Barry Switzer until 1988. Scott would be named team captain in his final two seasons.

Jordan joined the Oklahoma Sooners defense in 2013 through the 2016 season. Over his career, Jordan secured 164 solo tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, five interceptions, and forced four fumbles. He ended up scoring three defensive touchdowns in his Oklahoma career.

Derrick and Sterling Shepard

(AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Derrick Shepard, the father of Sterling, played for the Sooners from 1983-1986 before playing for three teams in the NFL. The Sooners named their walk-on award after Derrick, who passed away in 1999 at the age of 35. He would never see his son put on the Crimson and Cream.

Sterling wore the No. 3 just like his father when playing for Oklahoma. In the NFL, he switched his jersey to No. 3 with their new uniform rules. While a member of the Sooners, Sterling hauled in 233 passes for 3,482 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 14.4 yards per touch. Much like dad, Sterling went on to the NFL to play wide receiver.