Punter James Evans Ready For His Final Evolution with the Hoosiers

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

Hoosier punter James Evans came to Indiana having never played a down of American football and barring something bizzare, will leave Bloomington as IU’s all-time leader in punting average. The New Zealand native traveled many miles to reach Bloomington, but his journey as a punter has been leaps and bounds from 2021.

“My first year everything was new to me. And with having good guys and good players around me, and getting experience in games and practice, I think I just grew mentally. I don’t think there's a tremendous difference as far as my physical ability from year one to year four.” Evans said. “But I think, mentally as far as my preparation, my routine, and the kind of confidence I bring to every game, it has definitely evolved positively.”

Evans’ 44 yard per punt average is the highest in IU history. He has steadily improved every season seeing his punting average go from 41.9 to 45.8 yards per punt. He has become much more consistent in his kicks as well. Evans is a weapon to help flip the field with 61 kicks of 50-plus yards and has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 63 times.

Part of his evolution at IU will be becoming a vocal leader on special teams as he is now the elder statesman.

“The biggest thing is being more vocal. I’ve always tried to do the right thing, lead by example, and how I conduct myself as far as my preparation while also trying to stay busy, while supporting the young guys and leading by example.” Evans explained.

The Big Ten has produced some great punters over the years, but none better than Tory Taylor of Iowa, who Evans has trained with in the past and has looked to as a road map to the NFL.

“I was lucky enough to train with (Taylor).” Evans said. “Obviously, this year means a lot being able to put good things on tape to kind of solidify a case to get (to the NFL). But, you know, I've had also the opportunity to train with guys that play in the NFL in the past, and it's kind of nice to pick their brain, and then also using that as kind of like a measuring stick for, like, where I need to get to if, you know if I want to play at that level.”

Heading into the 2024 season Evans is once again on the Ray Guy Award Watch List as one of the nation’s best punters.

“It'd be nice to win it, but, yeah, we'll see. I mean, it's nice to be anytime you get any kind of recognition, and you know, you'll list it among, like, the top guys in college football is pretty cool. But you know, now, I guess I got to go out there and prove that.” Evans said.

The Hoosiers hope they don’t need to run Evans onto the field to punt too often, but when he is needed he is one of the best in the country.