Mandurah's own American football star in the making Ryan Evans will take his game to new heights when he jets off to the United States next week.
The young defensive back, from the southwest coast of Western Australia, has been a star on the Australian gridiron scene for years now, and will continue to chase his dream of one day playing in the National Football League when he lines up for Texas school Trinity Christian in the coming season.
The move to the sport's heartland is enough to boost any international player's standing in the game, but Evans will have a serious leg-up on other young stars at Trinity Christian.
There, he will be mentored by the greatest player to ever play his position, Deion "Prime Time" Sanders.
Widely regarded as the best to ever play the cornerback position, Sanders' resume speaks for itself.
Two Super Bowl victories, six times named to the NFL's All-Pro team and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 - Evans literally couldn't ask for a better teacher.
"I still don't believe it," Evans said.
"To go from playing locally here at Rockingham and then all of a sudden Deion Sanders is your coach? That's crazy."
Sanders has been the offensive coordinator at Trinity Christian for the past three seasons, where with his son Shedeur leading the team at quarterback they have won three straight Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state titles.
Evans knows it's going to be a hard team to break into, but he insists he's up for the challenge.
"I don't know exactly what the roster looks like right now, but I know I'm going to have to earn my spot," he said.
"I'm fine with that. I like to work hard, so it's all good."
The move to the States means an immediate step up in competition for the developing youngster.
Evans has spent his entire football tenure playing in WA's Gridiron West league with the Rockingham Vipers, while also representing Australia on the world stage.
But now he's eager to go toe-to-toe with American opponents.
"Honestly, that's what I'm most excited about," he said.
"I've been wanting to step up in competition for a long time now, so to test myself against these guys will be great.
"Hopefully I can show them what an Australian is capable of."
Evans and his family fly out bound for the United States next week.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
