Q&A with Anoka LB Evan DeChene

Ryan Burns

July 30, 2017 @ 12:15 PM

"I know that as myself being a player, I'm not the biggest, or strongest on the field," Anoka linebacker Evan DeChene said to Northstar Football. "I play OLB, which pits me against O-Linemen who have 50+ pounds on me. To counter this difference however, I use my quickness off the ball, as well as speed in order to beat them and make plays. I'm very good at reading plays and knowing where the ball is going. I also think I do a very good job on the pass rush, giving the QB lots of pressure from my side, and sometimes getting to him for a big play. I had a pretty good season last year. Playing OLB, you'll generally see only about half the plays coming your way. So when they do you have to make a statement. One of the best games I had last year was against our rival Champlin Park. Throughout the game I managed to get off blocks and make some big plays such as a couple sacks and tackles for loss. We ended up winning the game 21-17." DeChene is putting in the time this off-season. "This summer I've been doing quite a bit to improve my game. Waking up at 6:30 Monday through Thursday attend our summer football strength and conditioning program. I've also attended the NDSU camp and the MFCA combine to get a little bit of extra practice and training in before the season begins. This year I'm looking to improve on my pass coverage, because last season there was a few times where if I was in just a little bit better of a position I could've gotten an interception. Last season we lost to Cretin-Derham Hall in the first round of playoffs by one point. That was due to many mistakes that we as a team made. I expect my team to eliminate the mistakes to make us the best team we can possibly be. We have the right abilities and coaching, so now we just need to transition it on to the field. Individually I expect myself to outplay myself last year, as well as become one of the best LBs in the state. I believe I have the heart and desire to do so, and that all the hard work that I've put in will pay off."