Second chances can be hard to come by for a Division I athlete. However for one of the Colorado Buffaloes (4-3, 1-3) defensive backs, this is an opportunity he was not going to pass up.
Sophomore Evan White was dismissed from the football team for a violation of team rules in 2016. He returned for his junior year as Evan Worthington and has solidified himself as one of best playmakers on the Colorado defense in 2017.
Worthington was a standout this year in fall camp and figured to see much more responsibility at different positions all around the field. In fact at the end of last season, Head Coach Mike MacIntyre said had Evan been on the team in 2016, he most likely would have started. He then accepted the invitation to rejoin the team in the spring semester.
Since his return, he has played at safety, ‘buff back’ (safety/outside linebacker), and has seen his fair share of snaps at nickel back. His versatility and athleticism are big weapons for a Colorado defense that has struggled in recent weeks, surrendering 1,136 total yards to their last two opponents.
Worthington has made the most of his opportunity to make his presence felt in 2017. He’s almost always on the field, ranking fourth on the team in total defensive snaps. In his first season back with the Buffs, he ranks first in unassisted tackles and third in total tackles, first with three interceptions and tied for second in pass break ups.
He’s played in 30 career games for the Buffs. Worthington is a Denver native and cousin of former CU standout J.J. BIlliginsley, a safety from 2002-2006. Evan is majoring in sociology at Colorado. Listed at 6’2”, 200lbs, he has all the physical tools to play at the next level. If he can continue to show improved ability in coverage, his is a name you should see begin popping up on NFL draft boards in the near future.
