Evans signs with Bethel
By Jay Heath
One of the things the Ripley High School football team needed to change most began its change last week as senior star Bryant Evans signed a scholarship to play football at Bethel University.
“This is a really big deal,” RHS football Coach Justin Cruse told a crowd of teammates, friends and family members gathered to watch Evans sign on National Signing Day on Wednesday. “Bryant has battled a lot of injuries, but now he’s able to play football, and most importantly get an education.”
Evans who played defensive end and offensive line in high school, said Bethel coaches have indicated he will play defensive tackle and nose guard on the next level. He hopes his signing inspires more athletes to get to the college level like the program did in the early 2000s frequently.
“I think we’ll have a lot of kids coming through who will do it,” Evans said.
Evans’ mother, Nikki Evans, said her son earned the chance to continue to play football.
“He’s had a passion for football since the eighth grade,” Ms. Evans said. “I knew he’d go far. He’s a good kid, a good player, and a good student.”