3rd-string safety gets 1st start

Casey Evans didn't get any reps in practice last week. Turns out he didn't need them.

As the third-string strong safety, he was relegated to watching starter Eric Weddle and backup Kawika Casco run plays in preparation for last Thursday's opener against Texas A&M.

Shortly after kickoff, though, roles were reversed. Knee injuries to Weddle and Casco, put Evans in the game — before a packed house at Rice-Eccles Stadium and a national television audience on ESPN.

The walk-on from Olympus High responded with five tackles in the Utes' 41-21 victory over Texas A&M.

"Casey was a three going into that game — didn't have a rep during the week of practice — but he was mentally tuned into what he needed to do," said defensive coordinator Kyle Whittingham. "He was paying attention to every rep that was going on and when his number was called he hit the ground running and did a great job for us."

Evans, a 20-year-old sophomore whose previous college football experience is limited to special teams and a few plays at safety, is scheduled to make his first career start Saturday at Arizona (8 p.m., KJZZ, Ch. 14).

"There's a lot more pressure," he said. "But I've got to live up to it."

Evans came through in last fall's 3-0 victory at BYU when he recovered a fumble while defending a punt that allowed Utah to run out the clock.

"Casey's an overachiever. He is such a hard worker. His work ethic is second to none on this team," said Whittingham. "If they were all as easy to coach as Casey, this would be an easier job than it is.

"Casey Evans is just a student of the game, a blue-collar guy, and he loves football," he continued. "The bottom line is he loves football and it shows when he plays."

As for his quick insertion into last week's game, the life-long Utah fan claims he was ready. His preparation included mental reps and just paying attention in practice.

"Good things come from working hard," said Evans.

Utah coach Urban Meyer praised the special teams contributor for playing his heart out against the Aggies.

Evans and Antonio Young helped Utah overcome the loss of Weddle and Casco. Tevita Kemoeatu and Kite Afeaki stepped up on the defensive line when Steve Fifita was sidelined with a knee injury in the first half.