| Evan Royster |
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Many of the current Nittany Lions were highly accomplished in a sport other than football during their prep careers and could have pursued other avenues if not for their love of football. But, none of the current squad members were as prolific in lacrosse as Evan Royster was at Westfield (Va.) HS before he chose to attend Penn State and play football. Selected to play in the prestigious North-South All-American lacrosse game, Royster had offers from perennial powers Johns Hopkins and Virginia, among others, to play lacrosse. But, the opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame coach, play Big Ten football and earn a world-class education won out. Royster began making the most of his opportunities during his first season on the field, demonstrating that he has the skills, speed and instincts to emerge as a primary ball-carrier in 2008 and beyond. Royster averaged 6.3 yards on his 82 carries, totaling 513 yards to rank second to 1,000-yard rusher Rodney Kinlaw. A hard worker with toughness, he scored five rushing touchdowns and earned a spot on The Sporting News Big Ten All-Freshman team. The swift, instinctive and intelligent Royster is quick to hit the hole and is an elusive runner once he breaks through the line. He made great progress during winter conditioning and spring practice and is atop the depth chart entering preseason camp. A highly skilled and personable young man, Royster has a very promising future and should play a significant role for the offense the next three seasons. Royster is one of 10 returning Nittany Lions from metropolitan Washington, D.C. and among five from Virginia.
2007 Sophomore Season
Playing in 12 games, Royster gained 513 yards on 82 carries for a superb 6.3 average, tops among the team's primary ball-carriers. He was second on the team in rushing, scored five rushing touchdowns and caught three passes for 18 yards. For his efforts, he was named to The Sporting News Big Ten All-Freshman team. Royster had just three carries in the last two regular-season games due to a sprained ankle, but was at full strength for the Valero Alamo Bowl, helping Penn State rush for a season-high 270 yards. He capped his freshman campaign by scoring the game-winning touchdown on a season-long 38-yard burst late in the third quarter. Royster finished with 65 yards on nine carries (7.2) in the 24-17 win over Texas A&M. In his Penn State debut, Royster wowed the Beaver Stadium crowd by gaining 70 yards on just eight carries (8.8 avg.) against Florida International. He tallied his first career touchdown on a 13-yard scamper in the third quarter. He chalked up 86 yards on 16 carries in the 27-7 win over Iowa and ran for 68 yards on just eight carries (8.5 avg.) in the 38-7 victory against No. 19 Wisconsin. Royster bolted 19 yards into the end zone in the second quarter to give the Lions a 24-7 lead against the Badgers. He had a team-high 68 yards on the ground on 12 carries (5.7 avg.) in the critical win at Indiana, scoring his third touchdown of the season on a two-yard run. Royster delivered his best performance of the year in the Senior Day win over Purdue. He set season-highs with 126 yards and 21 carries (6.0 avg.). He burst 26 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to give the Lions a 26-16 lead and also had a 33-yard run. At Temple, Royster carried the ball one time for five yards, but sprained his ankle on the play and did not return. He carried the ball twice for eight yards at Michigan State, but tweaked the ankle and did not return. He was on the field for 221 snaps, topped by 41 against Iowa and 39 against Purdue.
2006 Freshman Season
Redshirt season.
High School
Royster was a first-team all-state selection for Coach Tom Verbanic at Westfield HS. He also was named Washington Post first-team All-Met, concluding his brilliant career with 6,384 yards on 750 carries (8.5 avg.) and 90 touchdowns. As a sophomore, Royster ran for 1,690 yards and 22 touchdowns, helping Westfield win the 2003 Virginia AAA Division 6 State Championship. As a junior, he ran for 2,160 yards and 30 touchdowns. During his senior year, he amassed 2,200 rushing yards and again tallied 30 touchdowns. Royster helped Westfield win three Concorde District Championships. Royster also was a standout prep lacrosse player, racking up 33 goals as a senior and participating in the prestigious North-South All-American Lacrosse game.
