Pressure not getting to Tulsa quarterback

As a quarterback in an offense installed by coach Philip Montgomery, Dane Evans understandably might feel some pressure.

After all, Montgomery’s high-octane systems at Baylor and Houston relied heavily on quarterback success and produced some of the top passers in college football in recent years.

But Evans, the University of Tulsa’s slinger from Sanger, Texas, has found comfort in Montgomery’s challenge to be the best quarterback he can be while relying on the strengths that helped him win the starting role during the preseason.

“That’s what the game boils down to: We are

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KRMG-AM just playing a game and if you are trying to play like somebody you’re not, it’s not going to work out,” Evans said. “The great thing about coach Montgomery is it doesn’t matter what position you play or who you are, he just wants you to be you.

“That’s what a team is. It’s a bunch of different personalities and people coming together as one. If I can be a part of that, then that’s what I want to do.”

A fourth-year junior, Evans has experienced ups and downs while starting 17 games, three of which were Hurricane victories. In 2014, he completed 55 percent of his passes for 3,102 yards and 23 touchdowns, the fifth-best passing season in program history.

He also struggled with composure when TU consistently fell behind and he felt the burden of trying to lead a comeback. The results included 17 interceptions.

“I think the biggest thing for Dane is just stay within yourself,” Montgomery said. “Don’t feel like you’ve got to make every play. … You’ve got to be the guy that is just making sure the ball ends up in the right spot, giving your guys the opportunity to make plays. You don’t have to be the guy that goes and wins it for us.”

Evans has looked solid during spring and preseason practices, assisted by freedom in this offense, as well as retooled footwork and mechanics. How those will translate during games will be seen Saturday afternoon when the Hurricane opens the season at home against Florida Atlantic.

“You’ve got to manage it, you’ve got to know down and distance, and you’ve got to be the guy that keeps calm and keeps his head about him,” Montgomery said.

“And if you score, be excited. Let your emotions come out then. But make sure you’re using your emotions in a positive way, not a negative way.”