April 28, 2008

AMHERST, Mass. - Fullback Breyone Evans is the first UMass football alum to sign a 2008 free agent contract as he agreed to join the Carolina Panthers on Monday. Evans, who came to UMass as a graduate student after graduating from Syracuse, played in 12 of 13 games in 2007 with the Minutemen.

Evans started six games at fullback in 2007, playing in 12 of 13. He has one carry for a 5-yard TD at Maine (9/22), also has three catches for 15 yards including a 4-yard touchdown at Colgate (9/8). Two catches for 11 yards vs. #23 Towson (9/15). Playing just 45 minutes from Syracuse, had UMass' second TD from 4-yards out at Colgate (9/8). It was his first touchdown since 2004 and third overall.

Played in 31 games at Syracuse, starting four for the Orange. Had 50 rushing yards and 54 receiving yards.

He followed the same path as former high school and Syracuse teammate Tim Washington, who played at UMass in 2006. A tremendous student who was a member of 2004 Spring and Fall and the 2006 Spring and Fall Athletic Director's Honor Roll at Syracuse.