IU Punter James Evans Continues to Adjust to American Football

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Written by Matt Smith (@mattsmith1401)

Coming to America from a different country can always be a tough transition for people. For Freshman punter James Evans the transition came with a different kind of acclimation. Having never played American football, one thing that Evans needed to get used to is wearing his helmet. 

“That was a bit of a learning curve,” Evans said. “I didn’t realize how heavy it was initially. It was about five pounds. It’s molded to my head. That was a bit of a challenge. I didn’t realize you couldn’t take it off. I think I was only 2 yards from the sideline when I took it off.”

Evans spent most of his youth playing Rugby in New Zealand and learned how to punt and kick through ProKick, the same program that produced former IU punter Haydon Whitehead.

“Haydon was a four-year starter and was consistent throughout. He was one of the best punters in the Big Ten. Since I have been here, he has been helpful to me. We have kicked balls together a few times and, in those sessions, he would give me advice. Everything from on the field to off the field, handling coaches, teammates, and the pressure, all that kind of stuff. Before I got here, if he was not so good, I would not be here, so I thank him for that,” Evans said. “We talked on the phone a couple times, and I texted with him. I asked him what to expect before I got here. That has helped in my transition here, and I am fortunate to have him still in my life.”

Another aspect of America that Evans wasn’t used to was how passionate Americans are about college athletics, and especially football.

“Until you really get here, you don’t understand the scale of things,” Evans said. “The general public, how much they care about college athletics and how nice the facilities are, all that kind of stuff. Kicking in the stadium for the first time in January was really surreal. Now it’s just a field, but those first two weeks you’re here, you’re like, ‘Wow, this is so cool.’ Everything is so developed, so top-tier.”

Evans will look to continue to adjust to American football and his helmet as we get closer to training camp and the beginning of the 2021 Indiana Football season.