Phoenix Evans
Phoenix Evans
About Phoenix
Expert Analysis
Earnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Don Bosco → IMG Academy
,
Phoenix Evans
Phoenix
Evans
5'9" | 155 lbs | DB
IMG Academy | 2028
State
NJ
makes one of the most significant moves of the offseason, transferring from Don Bosco to IMG Academy. This decision immediately places him on a national stage.
Evans enters IMG as the No. 1 defensive back in the 2028 class, according to Prep Redzone, and a five-star caliber prospect. With his senior year approaching, this move signals a clear intention to test himself against elite, national-level competition on a weekly basis.
On film, Evans consistently shows why he’s regarded as one of the best in the country. He plays with edge and confidence. He competes at the catch point. He impacts games in coverage, supports the run, and tackles with real physicality. That combination of toughness and technical ability separates him from most corners his age.
More importantly, the IMG environment will only accelerate his development. Practicing daily against top-tier talent and playing a national schedule will sharpen his technique, discipline, and overall football IQ. As a result,
Phoenix Evans
Phoenix
Evans
5'9" | 155 lbs | DB
IMG Academy | 2028
State
NJ
positions himself to elevate his game even further and solidify his status as one of the premier defensive backs in the nation.
I’d like to announce that I have transferred to IMG Academy. Thank you Dan Sabella and the Don Bosco Prep football staff for supporting my decision. @TomLoy247 @SWiltfong_ @Andrew_Ivins @ChadSimmons_ @adamgorney @BrandonHuffman @BrianDohn247 @DemetricDWarren @ErikRichardsUSA… pic.twitter.com/QqlB8IAAdX
— Phoenix Evans
Phoenix Evans 5'9" | 155 lbs | DB IMG Academy | 2028 State NJ (@PhoenixEvans__) January 23, 2026
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Read EvaluationEarnest Daniels | Prep Redzone Scout
Phoenix Evans
Phoenix
Evans
5'9" | 155 lbs | DB
IMG Academy | 2028
State
NJ
, now a newly ranked five-star, is set to make a statement early. At corner, he brings patience in his feet and toughness in the run game. He fights through blocks, tackles well, and shows elite recognition skills that let him play fast. That football IQ separates him just as much as his physical tools. With his rise on the national stage, Phoenix will be a key piece in Don Bosco’s stout defense this fall.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
When I see 5’9″ 155lb defensive backs, I typically do not think much.
Phoenix Evans
Phoenix
Evans
5'9" | 155 lbs | DB
IMG Academy | 2028
State
NJ
, however, has made this old man look foolish and reconsider his ways. Evans job serious burn on varsity and appears to be a student of the game. On film we can see certain formations or plays that you just knew were scouted out. Without an iota of hesitation, Evans flies up, makes plays, and forces opposing offenses to eliminate that play from their playbook. Moreover, Evans has elite closing speed, showcasing it in every direction. As a tackler, this youngster is far from afraid from contact has he looks to come up and lay the smackdown on ball carriers – keeping his feet churning through contact – particularly when he looks to clean up a pile or gang tackling. Evans is a fighter along the perimeter when keeping his force run fit. No matter where he travels on the field, Evans sticks to his assignment line glue, again, to every orifice of the field. Changing direction on double-moves or route fakes is not an issue for Evans either, as he can flip his hips quickly, fluidly, and with ease. Body control and moving in every direction are what elevate him from “damn good” to “elite:” he is excellent at covering receivers and influencing their route without contacting them what so ever. Evans can continue to push to be #1 as he improves his wrapping, leg drive on profile tackling, and adding hard jams or press coverage to his tape.
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Read EvaluationJonathan Davalos | Prep Redzone Scout
Come 2028, we may be looking at
Phoenix Evans
Phoenix
Evans
5'9" | 155 lbs | DB
IMG Academy | 2028
State
NJ
as not only the top DB coming out of NJ, but possibly the top prospect overall. Phoenix has everything required to be an elite defensive back. Pressed up on the line, Phoenix jammed up the receiver early in the route, deviating them from their path and disrupting the timing with the quarterback. Phoenix plays scrappy and physical, getting into the receiver’s head when they come up empty handed against him.
Phoenix is standing at 5’9″ at the moment, but his dimensions are reminiscent of a player like Sauce Gardner. Phoenix’s longer arms allows him to swat the ball out of the air and rip at the receiver’s hands when he is trying to reel it in. With the skill set to be an elite shutdown cornerback, Phoenix is ready to make his name know when he heads to Don Bosco in the fall.
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Read EvaluationAlan Popadines | Prep Redzone Scout
– Played for Silk City
– Already hearing from Rutgers, other schools
Evans is a proven stud on the outside as a true corner back. He’s a confident kid that isn’t afraid to put his toes up on the line and play press coverage against anybody in the state. Great hips allow him to turn and run stride for stride with most. Suffered a leg injury as a seventh-grader that derailed most of his season, but he’s more than made up for it.
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Read EvaluationBrendan Mankarious | Prep Redzone Scout
**Update: I stand corrected. Evans was a current 7th grader at the time of the camp and is now entering the 8th grade. He is part of New Jersey’s high school class of 2028. Expect more coverage on him from Prep Redzone Next.rn______________
I absolutely love when I jot a bib number down with a corresponding note, only to later realize they are freshman or 8th graders when I reference event rosters against my notes. Evans put on a memorable performance in my eyes. I noticed the then-8th grader/now freshman effectively execute a one-armed jam on his matchup, thwarting their release. During a later spin, Evans showed his leaping ability, high pointing the ball while jumping higher than his matchup to cause an incomplete pass. Evans is a 2027 prospect we need to monitor.
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