East County Athlete of the Week: Evan Dangler

Evan Dangler is a junior linebacker on the Braden River High football team. Pirates Coach Curt Bradley said Dangler has been working hard to improve his strength during the offseason. He is projected to start at outside linebacker for Braden River in the fall. Dangler had 18 tackles in seven games for the Pirates in 2020. 

When did you start playing football?

I started playing football when I was 8, playing in Pop Warner leagues, but I only started taking it seriously when I got to high school. 

What is the appeal to you?

It's not a soft sport. You can take out your anger on people in a controlled way. You can hit people, but you're not trying to hurt them and you're not going to get in trouble for it. I like that. 

What is your best skill?

My best skill is never being afraid. I never back down from a play. I am dedicated to making every tackle.

What is your favorite memory?

During the Palmetto High game last year, I started on the sidelines. We had some guys go down with injuries and I went in the game. I made two tackles during the first three plays I was on the field. When I got back to the sideline, the team was going nuts. That was a great feeling.

What have you been working on during the offseason?

Weight room, weight room, weight room. It's all about the weight room. I want to get as strong as possible for this season. Right now, I bench press 285 pounds, I squat 475 pounds and I power clean 275 pounds. By the end of my senior year, I want to hit at least 300 pounds on the bench press. I would like to power clean close to 300 pounds as well. 

What are your goals for the upcoming season?

As a team, we want to go undefeated in the regular season. After that, depending on our [playoff] bracket, I think we have a great chance to go deep. For me, my personal goal is to get as many tackles as I can. I want to leave each game feeling good about how I played. 

What is your favorite food?

I like the basics. Hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza. Pretty much anything. 

What is your favorite movie?

I like the movie 'Avatar' a lot. 

What are your hobbies?

It's mostly other sports. I like playing basketball with my friends. I'm pretty good at it. Anything active, I like. 

What is your favorite subject?

I guess PE doesn't count, right? I'll say engineering. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Live today like it's your last day. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. You can think big picture, but at the same time, whatever you're doing on a given day, make sure you want to do it. Life is too short to be doing things you don't want to do. 

Finish this sentence: "Evan Dangler is …"

… Unique.