Hutchinson CC Sports Information

Hutchinson Community College sophomore linebacker R.J. Evans was tapped on Tuesday as the Jayhawk Conference's Football Defensive Player of the Week for Week 3 of the 2022 season.

The 6-foot-1, 220-pound linebacker from Hanceville, Alabama, was the leading tackler for the No. 2-ranked Blue Dragons in their 31-29 overtime victory over No. 7 Iowa Central on Saturday at Gowans Stadium.

Evans had nine total tackles with three solo stops, and made several key plays the victory where the Blue Dragon defense made a huge defensive stop on fourth –and-1 in overtime to set up the Dragons' eventual game-winning field goal by Cole Segraves.

Evans had 1.5 quarterback sacks as well as another quarterback hurry and a deflected pass to help the Dragons make several key stops in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Evans is the fourth Blue Dragon to be recognized by the KJCCC this season. Quarterback Dylan Laible was the league's Offensive Player of the Week in Week 1. Running back Rontavious Richmond as the Week 2 Offensive Player of the Week and Darby Roper was the Week 2 Special Teams Player of the Week.

The Blue Dragons have a bye on Saturday before opening conference play against Coffeyville on Sept. 24 in Coffeyville.