Evan Hull might be in for a very successful campaign in 2024. The young running back isn’t among the Indianapolis Colts’ most well-known players, for sure. Unlike Michael Pittman Jr., Jonathan Taylor, or Quenton Nelson, he is not a household name. To be honest, many fans either don’t remember him or don’t even know he exists.
Hull’s rookie year of 2023 was essentially nonexistent. He only made one appearance, in Week 1 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hull sustained a meniscus injury in that game that would keep him out of the game for the rest of the campaign. He played eight snaps, catching a six-yard pass and running one yard.
Colts fans saw a preview of Hull’s potential during the preseason. The Northwestern product gained 53 yards through his running and three yards and a touchdown from three passes caught. In his short career, Hull hasn’t spent much time on the pitch. However, if he stays healthy, he could have an impact the following season.
Evan Hull Could Have a Breakout 2024 Season
Starred for the Northwestern Wildcats
Hull played for the Northwestern Wildcats for four seasons. Adetomiwa Adebawore, a defensive tackle that the Colts selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, was his teammate.
Hull only ran for 495 yards and six touchdowns in his first two years of play. He did, however, become the preferred option in 2021 after racking up 1,009 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. In that same year, he also caught 33 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns.
Hull ran for 913 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. In addition, he had nine kick returns for 181 yards and 55 catches for 546 yards. After 2000, he became the 16th player to finish a season with at least 75 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards.
In college, Hull was a master of all trades. The native of Minnesota made contributions as a kick returner, receiver, and rusher. He later reunited with Adebawore in Indianapolis after being selected by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
He Could Become Jonathan Taylor’s Primary Backup
After his best season to date, Zack Moss is returning to the field. The backup running back for the Colts finished 2023 with 986 yards (794 rushing and 192 receiving) and seven touchdowns (two receiving and five rushing). This offseason, Moss is set to become a free agent. He might be offered a position elsewhere, in which case it would be too costly for him to stay on. The Colts will need a backup quarterback to play behind Taylor if that occurs and he decides to leave Indianapolis.
Hull would make a good backup. The 209-pound, 5-foot-10 athlete is a compact runner with a muscular build. His speed is both north and south, and he is an excellent pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Hull might still see a lot of playing time in 2024, even if Moss decides to rejoin the Colts. Over the previous two seasons, injuries have kept Taylor out of action. The 2021 running champion missed seven games in the previous season and six in 2022. Moss has also struggled with injuries, sitting out three games in 2023.
Promising players like Anthony Richardson, Josh Downs, Julius Brents, and Will Mallory are among the Indianapolis ’23 draft class’s members. Next season, a few of those guys could have breakthrough seasons. Should he be given the chance, Evan Hull might follow suit.
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