Penn State second-year receiver Omari Evans has his name on an award watch list.
The 6-foot, 185 pounder from Killeen, Texas, is one of 69 players on the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watchlist. This award per release, “recognizes the top offensive player in Division I football who also exhibits the enduring characteristics that define Earl Campbell.”
🌹 Exciting news! 🌹 The prestigious Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award Watch List has just been unveiled! Get ready to cheer for your favorite contenders! #TylerRoseAward #EarlCampbell #EarlCampbellAward pic.twitter.com/pomFU4ms0f
— Earl Campbell Award (@CampbellAward) August 17, 2023
This award is named after— believe it or not— Earl Campbell.
Campbell, a Tyler, Texas, native, was a high school legend before winning the 1977 Heisman Trophy at the University of Texas and then going on to a Hall of Fame NFL career in which he played 6.5 of his eight seasons with the Houston Oilers. At his best, Campbell was one of the most dominant players in NFL history.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Evans played at Robert M. Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, where he was a team captain as a senior. In his senior year, he recorded 853 receiving yards, 818 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns. He played quarterback, wide receiver and defensive back for Shoemaker. He was a four-star recruit according to ESPN and a three-star recruit according to Rivals, On3, and 247Sports.
Evans might not have an Earl Campbell-sized impact at Penn State, but he has potential to be a solid depth piece in PSU’s WR room. Evans is in the mix to be one of Penn State’s three starting receivers, along with players such as KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Dante Cephas, Malik McClain and Harrison “Trey” Wallace. Evans had an impressive spring, highlighted by his performance in the Blue-White Game April 15, where he caught five passes for 80 yards and the game’s only touchdown.
Another Penn State receiver and native Texan was on this Watch List ahead of last season. Parker Washington, now of the Jaguars, was on the list. TCU’s Max Duggan ended up winning it. This year’s winner will be announced Jan. 10 at a banquet.
