Evan Croutch
Linebacker
Ohio

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

 

Evan Croutch:  I measured in at 5’11 ¾, weight 222 and 4.60 40 officially.   

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Evan Croutch:  I have been training at Nashdog Performance Center in Youngstown, Ohio.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  How happy were you with your overall performance at the Pro Day?  What were some of your numbers? 

 

Evan Croutch:  I was happy with the performance.  Some teams had me in the 4.5 range.  Officially, it was a 4.60.  My vertical – 35.5 inches, my bench press – 25 reps, 3-cone – 7.1, 20-yard shuttle – 4.31, 60-yard shuttle – 11.54 and my broad – 9’6.  Bengals scout ran the pro day.  I was happy with the field drills.  Teams were impressed that I can move really well and cover. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Evan Croutch:  I had offers from Ohio, Buffalo, Youngstown State, Duquesne and some smaller D-II schools. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Ohio?

Evan Croutch:  It was the best school for me.  Coach Solich sold me on the school.  I formed a great relationship with LB’s coach Ron Collins.  I loved the campus.  There were great linebackers ahead of me, and I knew that I can learn from them.      

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Evan Croutch:  I cover well and I am a great run stopper.  I finished my year with 14 tackles for loss.  I bring leadership to the table.  I understand the defense well. 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Evan Croutch:  Improve my overall game.  I need to work on everything.    

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall career?

Evan Croutch:  Freshman year, I started on all special teams.  I saw little time at LB.  I was kind of an immediate backup at LB.  I played different positions and special teams.  I was a starter at Will LB my junior year.  Blair Brown was ahead of me the first two years.  Senior year, I became the captain.  I was second team All-MAC.  We went to bowl games all four years.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the reason behind your breakout senior year?

 

Evan Croutch:  I was the oldest starter in the linebacker’s core.  I took on a leadership role.  It was my defense to run this year.  We had a good defense my senior year. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Which team was your biggest rivalry in the MAC?

 

Evan Croutch:  Miami of Ohio was our biggest rivalry.  We mark that game every year. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

 

Evan Croutch:  The highlight was the last game, the Frisco Bowl.  We shut out San Diego State.  I was named defensive MVP of the game.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Evan Croutch:  My academics progress.  I completed all of my credits in 3 1/2 years.  My GPA was above a 3.0.    

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

Evan Croutch:  Hard work produces results.  They kept us busy in the weight room and in the film room during those four years.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Evan Croutch:  I am an hour from Cleveland.  The Browns were a team to root for.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Evan Croutch:  Growing up, it was Brian Cushing.  Now I just appreciate football in general.  I don’t have a specific player now.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a LB?

Evan Croutch:  Being smart.  You have to understand football and the defense.  You have to know what the offense will throw at you.    

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

Evan Croutch:  I am always trying to figure out the snap cadence.  I am reading the guard.  I am looking at the triangle from the center, to guard, to QB.  I am looking whether it is run or pass.    

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Evan Croutch:  Our punter Michael Farkas was a first team All-MAC performer.  He had a great season for us.  Safety Javon Hagan was a first team All-MAC.  He has had a great career.  QB Nathan Rourke and kicker Lou Zervos.  He was a freshman All-American.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Evan Croutch:  My sophomore year, Corey Davis from Western Michigan was great.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Evan Croutch:  The grind of it all.  The workouts and the film study.  I enjoy doing it daily.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Evan Croutch:  I love fishing and boating in the summer.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Evan Croutch:  After my football career, I want to become a financial advisor.  I majored in communication with a minor in business.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Evan Croutch:  Hard-working, determined, explosive, intelligent and an athlete.