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Evans could return to Huskers

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Posted: Thursday September 16, 1999 11:05 AM

Evans was Nebraska's starter in its first two games this season before unexpectedly quitting the team Sunday. AP

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- Nebraska football coach Frank Solich has not ruled out the possibility of I-back DeAngelo Evans returning to the team.

Solich told reporters after Wednesday's practice that he talked to Evans on Tuesday night.

"We're going to have to visit with him again, and that will be done in the near future," Solich said. "It was good to have a conversation with him."

Evans was Nebraska's starter in its first two games this season before unexpectedly quitting the team Sunday. Solich said the junior running back was frustrated because of injuries that have kept him out of ball games in the past and a slow start this year.

Solich said the Wichita, Kan., native remains in Lincoln, but Evans could not be reached for comment.

In announcing Evans' decision Tuesday afternoon, Solich said he "would never want to close the door on any player in terms of communication."

The coach added, "But from our conversation this weekend, I don't see it being the case where he would come back to this football team."

Solich on Wednesday brought a quick end to reporters' questions about Evans. "We'll get together again with him and eventually, if there's anything worthwhile to throw out to you guys, we'll certainly do it," Solich said.

I-Back Correll Buckhalter, who led the team in rushing last year, quit the team for three days last week, apparently upset about lack of playing time behind Evans and Dan Alexander.

He returned but served a one-game suspension against California.

At least one Nebraska player feels it will be difficult for Evans to return to the Huskers, who are 2-0 entering a meeting with Southern Mississippi (2-0) on Saturday.

Starting rush end Aaron Wills, a senior from Omaha, said the team's Unity Council, made up of about 20 players, discussed the situation.

"I think the feeling was unanimous that we wanted the situation to stay the way it is," Wills said. "We were under the impression he really kind of burned his bridges here, as far as the way he talked to the coaches."

Wills, however, said the players will support the coaches no matter the decision.

"But DeAngelo will probably have a harder time coming back than if he stayed away," Wills said. "Because he'll have to earn his respect from ground zero, from not only us but the fans. We want to go out and win games, but if someone doesn't want to be a part of that then, hey, see ya, because we'll get it done without him."

 

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