Fresno State Football: Rashad Evans and Josh Harper, 4 Hands in Land of Many

Sometime around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Fresno State Football team was wrapping up practice, but wide receivers coach Keith Williams wasn’t done yet.  He was screaming and yelling and seemed to be having a good time with a few of his receivers.

Once the extra session concluded, I was able to talk to a couple of the pupils that Williams held after school, so to speak.

Rashad Evans and Josh Harper are two wideouts on a team chalked full of talent at the position.

I asked Harper what Williams was yelling about.  “He was just showing us this drill we do to get ready for press,” said Harper.  "He’s passionate about all that, so that’s what he was doing.” 

Harper acted as if it was an everyday occurrence. 

Josh Harper: Big Eyes or Ready to Go?

Harper started his career as a Bulldog in some big venues against tough opponents. 

The team started their season in San Francisco against the Cal Bears and then headed to Lincoln, Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers.

“Leading up to the game, (against Cal) it was like butterflies. I thought, 'Man, this is about to be my first career game.  Once I hit the field, it was all go.  All the butterflies left and I was just out there playing football,” said Harper on his first career game.

Harper, a red-shirt freshman, is one of the “young pups” of the group.  Although he is young, Harper has wasted no time making his presence felt on the field.  No. 3 has 10 catches for 154 yards and three touchdowns.  His first touchdown came in his first game as a Bulldog against the Cal Bears on September 3, 2011. 

"That was a big relief, to get my first career touchdown; I was excited,” said Harper.

 

Not Enough Balls to Go Around?

Both receivers don’t seem to have any problem with the Bulldogs being so deep at wide receiver.  "We all believe who ever is on the field at that time can make a play,” said Harper.  “We all get passes; we’re enjoying it, we’re loving it.  It’s all good with us,” added Evans.

Evans Praises Robbie Rouse

A good passing game is more likely to flourish if the team has a solid running game.  The Bulldogs have just that in running back Robbie Rouse.  Evans is very aware of how much Rouse means to his team.  “He’s the most passionate player I have ever played with,” said Evans. “He never quits.  You have to put a lot of people in the box for Robbie, which leaves us one-on-one coverage, so if we beat one guy and we get the ball, it could be a touchdown,” added Evans.

As Harper is the youngster, Evans is one of the veterans.  The junior wideout leads all receivers with 21 catches.

Coach William’s Impact

Evans and Harper are quick to point out how they feel about the fiery Keith Williams.  “He’s a big influence, he’s someone to look up to,” said Evans. “He played college football, he knows what we’re going through on and off the field, not just football-wise.  We can always call him at anytime and talk to him about anything.  He plays a big part, he’s a real good dude.”

“He’s a big help,” said Harper on Williams’ impact on his play.  "He has taught us a lot about wide receiver-play in general.”

Derek Carr Plays No Favorites

With quarterback Derek Carr slinging the ball all over the field, plenty of guys will get their hands on the ball, with Evans and Harper certainly benefiting from Carr’s generosity as well.