Travis Evans is rapidly closing in on becoming Georgia State’s all-time leading rusher.
The senior running back is 10 yards away from surpassing former Georgia State running back Donald Russell who had 1,412 yards and 12 touchdowns in two seasons.
Evans, who has 1,403 career yards and eight touchdowns, was unaware how close he is to becoming the school’s all-time rusher.
“It’s just not really important. What’s important is winning and building this tradition,” Evans said.
Needing only 10 yards, Evans should pick up the record in Saturday’s game against Sun Belt conference opponent ULM as the 0-7 Panthers are looking for their first win of the season.
“It’s going to be a good feeling when it happens cause it’s gonna happen,” Evans said. “It would be better for it to happen with a win.”
“Travis [Evans] is a senior that’s really worked hard this year,” head coach Trent Miles said. “Started the season not as a starter…but, he’s worked really hard and I hope he gets the 10 yards early.”
Evans did not start in the season opener against Samford, but injuries and position changes opened the way for Evans to be the starter for the following six games.
Evans’ second start this season was on the road against West Virginia where he picked up a 65-yard touchdown to score the Panthers’ only points it the game. It was the longest run in school history.
“That’s just a product of his work ethic,” running back coach Brock Lough said on Evan’s game against the Mountaineers while adding that Evans is a vital part of the offense.
Lough said that Evans possess unique qualities such as being a great pass blocker who is not being afraid of throwing cut blocks.
“It’s tough to find running backs that will stick their nose in there when they’re pass blocking, and Travis has no problem doing that,” Lough said.
The running game has struggled this season picking up only 615 yards and two touchdown in seven games. The rushing unit averages 87.9 rushing yards per game.
“We’ve lost [offensive]-linemen here and there for whatever reason, so that’s kind of why it’s been down. But, we just try to come up with different schemes each week and just keep working our technique,” Lough said.
Evans has struggled this season as well picking up 308 yards on 84 carries and one touchdown this season.
“You just got to take it one play at a time,” Evans said on the running game’s attempt to improve. “You’ve just got to stay patient and keep grinding.”
Evans was a part of Georgia State’s original recruiting class in 2009 coming from Williston High School in Williston, Fla.
In his first three seasons, Evans accumulated 1,095 yards and seven touchdowns making him Georgia State’s second-leading rusher behind Donald Russell.
Russell was the latest Georgia State football player to go on to play in the NFL. Russell signed with the Atlanta Falcons, but was cut from the roster after the preseason.
Evans said surpassing Russell’s record would be special because it gives him the confidence that he can go on to play football professionally.
Evans has five games left with Georgia State. Then, the soon-to-be all-time leading rusher will move on.
“Lord’s willing I’m still alive, and I’m in the NFL just relaxing with my daughter,” Evans said his future entails.
