William and Mary mourns the loss of Nathan Evans
by Brandon Mitchell, recruit804William and Mary sophomore running back Nate Evans was shot and killed on Thursday night while in Norfolk. Police made their way out to Norfolk after responding to concerned patrons contacting law enforcement about hearing gunshots. When police reached the 800 block of West 43rd Street, they found Evans with a gunshot wound resting on the sidewalk. Evans died at the scene.
“Nate’s is a loss we are feeling deep within our program. Faith and faith are the foundations of our program. We value relationships first. Our team has gathered around to support each other as we deal with the grief that comes from this tragedy,” explained William and Mary head coach Mike London, Sr. in a release.
Evans was one of the best running backs in the history of the Lee-Davis High School. During his time with the Confederates, Davis accumulated upwards of 4,000 yards and 56 total touchdowns. During his three years in which he served as team-captain (2014-2016), Evans helped lead the Confederates to a record of 18-14 with two playoff appearance including a Region 5A semifinal showing against Highland Springs in 2015.
Prior to William and Mary, Evans announced his commitment to the United States Navy Academy. The move initially made sense especially with what type of offense the Midshipmen like to deploy. Three years ago at the York 7-v-7 Battlefield Shootout, Davis explained what went into his rationale in choosing Navy to recruit804.
“What went into my commitment was the opportunity it brings,” explained Evans. “Great academics, great football and the post-graduate opportunities are fantastic. Who doesn’t want to fight for this country? That’s basically a perfect deal for me and exactly what I was looking for. This is going to be a degree that’s going to last for the rest of my life as well as play great football.”
However, Evans had a change of heart and decided to de-commit from Navy. In August of 2016, the idea of getting the opportunity to play close to home was too much to walk away from and he decided to commit to the University of Richmond. A coaching change watched Danny Rocco head to Delaware which allowed Russ Huesman to take over for the Spiders. Evans then de-committed admitting William and Mary was optimal due to the compatibility between him and the campus.
During his freshman season, Evans led all rushers for the Tribe with 119 carries. He trailed only Tommy McKee in yards and touchdowns accumulating 496 yards and three touchdowns. During his sophomore season the Tribe took more of a committee-type approach as Evans picked up 244 yards through 70 attempts and logged two touchdowns.
– Brandon Mitchell
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