Malachi Evans is a Penn High school student athlete. He plays running back for varsity football and he is a senior. He wears number #10 and he looks to attend an HBCU.
What does football mean to you?
Football means a lot to me, it’s a part of me and time goes by when I’m playing the sport. I’ve put and invested so much into this sport.
How do you work with your offensive line to create running lanes?
Just through communication they know what they need to do. They have a coach that teaches them that, so I wouldn’t say I change the way the lanes are, I just do my job to encourage them. I trust them that the lanes will be there, if not it’s my job to adapt to the circumstances and make the most of what I have because their job isn’t easy.
If you can’t play running back what would be another position you would play?
I would want to play defensive back, I played the position my sophomore year and I truly enjoyed it. If I wasn’t playing running back I would definitely play defensive back.
What college are you looking to attend?
I’m looking to attend an HBCU, Cincinnati or Baylor; those are both my dream colleges. I love the culture and environment that comes with each one of those universities. Now if I were to stay home I would love to go to Butler Great Academic School because that will set me up for my future and division 1 football. Indiana state, that’s where my mom went and my friend Elijah goes there currently so that would be a pretty cool University to attend.
What drew you to play running back?
I was basically just put there when I started football in 6th grade. That was my first position and I have just adapted and became the best I can at that position. I have been trying to improve each year while also watching other running backs in college or in the league to add the most possible tools to my bag. While also being able to use those tools to the best of their ability.
What has been the most challenging aspect of playing running back?
The most challenging part is the assignments you have and what your body will go through while playing the position.
Who are your football role models?
I like Barry Sanders a lot because of his shiftiness. I also like Derrick Henry and Walter Payton for their yards after contact. Those are just a few of the guys I like.
What would you consider to be your greatest strengths on the football field?
My physicality and my yards after contact are my strengths on the football field. I believe that I’m not a one strength running back, I can block, I can catch, I can go down and distance, and while I run I never plan to stop unless I physically can’t run anymore.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
That essentially just comes down to time management and priorities. Homework is important enough to me that I will set aside time to get it done.
What are your life goals not just in football?
My goal is to be a sports psychologist. The occupation interests me and just the thought of being able to make an impact on athletes life for the greater.I want to change and develop their mindset so they can not only have inner peace while they do the sport they love. Also for the years to come whether it’s when they start a family or create a career after their athletic careers.
