Utah is getting Rabbit Evans back at the perfect time.
After flashing late in 2024 with 34 tackles, including 12 against Iowa State, the safety’s season was cut short by injuries after just one game. That lost year could have stalled him. Instead, Evans says it sharpened his understanding of the game and deepened how much he values it.
“I feel like I learned more about the mental part of the game,” said Evans. “Everything slowed down for me. Now I can recognize formations quicker, diagnose things fast, and I'm able to play faster.”
He also came away with a clearer appreciation for the grind that comes with being away from the field.
“Last year made me really understand how much I really love the game,” said Evans. “Just being away from the field was hard, but it was good cheering on my teammates to win.”
Now, in Utah’s first fall camp under Morgan Scalley as head coach, Evans says he’s back to feeling like himself. He described himself as fully healthy and ready to go.
“I feel like I'm 100%,” said Evans. “I feel good.
I feel quick, fast, and twitchy. The rehab process was good.
I came here every day trying to keep a good mindset. I was just trying to get better every day.”
Evans also has a front-row view of Scalley in a new role. The coach who once handled his position is now running the whole program, and Evans has already noticed the difference.
“Coach Scalley really cares about our health and our bodies, which has been big,” said Evans. “He wants to go into week one as healthy as we can be.
That translates into practice, with the different stuff we're doing. It really helps with our body.”
That matters for a safety group Evans believes has real depth. He’s back in a room he thinks can be one of the best on the roster.
“We're deep; we got like eight guys that can play,” said Evans. “Everybody, for real, and it's just been good competing with each other.
We've been able to play off each other and learn from each other. Which has been great.”
This fall also gives him a first chance to work with new safeties coach Derrick Odum, the former San Jose State defensive coordinator. Odum has made tackling a clear point of emphasis as Utah prepares for the 2026 season.
“We've really been working hard to understand all the aspects of tackling,” said Evans. “Like understanding angles, keeping your balance when coming downhill, and keeping leverage. It all plays a part in being a good tackler, so he's just been honing in on the little stuff so we can be comfortable when it comes to game one to make those uncomfortable tackles.”
Evans’ return should matter immediately for a defense that missed him in the secondary and near the line of scrimmage. He’s eager to bring the physical edge Utah lacked at times last season.
“I like tackling,” said Evans. “That's fun to me, being in there hitting every play.
I also like playing man too, so just being able to guard people, being down there in their faces. I like that a lot.”
With Evans healthy again, the Utes have a defender who was widely expected to make a major leap. If he delivers on that promise, Utah’s first year under Scalley could have a lot to remember.
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