Despite dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan Roughriders receiver Shaq Evans has been smiling from ear-to-ear.
That’s because the 2019 CFL all-star has been learning the new offensive scheme Jason Maas is installing for the Riders.
“It’s going to be dynamic. It was a lot of information but I was so excited because I could just see us flourishing in this offence,” Evans said on 980 CJME radio in Regina, The Green Zone.
“We have a lot of big play guys. The type of offence he has and then the personnel he has to execute it, I’m super excited to get it going.”
Evans recorded 72 catches for a team-leading 1,334 yards and five touchdowns last year. His first 1,000-yard season while displaying the potential to be a long-term No. 1 target in the CFL. When Duron Carter was moved to defence it gave Evans an opportunity to shine in 2018.
“I think about that everyday. What would my life be like now if Chris Jones didn’t flip Duron Carter to defence? I’m super thankful he did and I took advantage of my opportunity,” Evans said.
Big play ability was flashed by Evans after the move was made. He nabbed 50 balls for 785 yards — 15.7 yards per grab — and six plays of 30 or more yards. Backing it up by turning into a bonafide No. 1 target earned Evans a fresh contract for the 2020 schedule at approximately $190,000. Saskatchewan’s core will look different as Naaman Roosevelt inked a deal with the Montreal Alouettes and Manny Arceneaux remains a free agent.
“It’s tough losing a guy like Naaman and Manny, those are two guys, especially Naaman being there for the two years I was there. He wasn’t a big vocal guy, but the way he carried himself and the way he did speak when he did speak up was very inspiring, just coming from a place of veteran leadership,” Evans said.
Along with his playmaking partner Kyran Moore, Evans wants to take the leadership role and help push the green and white in thee future. Swerve and Smoove with the S’s on their chest in Saskatchewan.
