The challenge of getting up to speed

Sporting News, The, March 15, 2004 by Lee Evans

It has been a frustrating two years on my road back from blowing out my left knee in spring practice at Wisconsin in 2002 and having two major surgeries. Everything was once so promising, so it has been a big adjustment to try to regain my full speed, my best asset as a receiver.

It tested my commitment. It would have been easy to say, 'I want to do something else with my life', but football is very important to me. I've loved to play it for a long time, so I had to work through the up-and-down process. You feel good for a while, but then you suddenly hit a plateau.

The workouts really tested me. I remember working with the extension board, which helps you keep your range of motion. I had my legs strapped in tight and then tried to extend them--it was very painful, especially being so sore after surgery.

I need to get more flexible, which isn't so natural to me. That will help me prevent most injuries that come from being tight and also improve my route running. What I showed as a senior (13 touchdowns, 19 yards per catch) and through running at the Combine (4.40 in the 40) and working out on Pro Day is a tribute to the hard work I've put in to improve my agility and run so fast again.

The key for me was learning patience, which is very tough. You always want a lot now, but your body progresses when it needs to, not when you want it to.

I've had to man up and do much on my own, but I've also had a strong support system. I've talked with Chris Chambers, my former Badgers teammate. We have different talents, but he gave me some confidence about the draft process. I wouldn't mind playing with him again, in Miami.

I've been busy, so I've haven't seen much of this receiving class, but I've heard it's pretty good. I'll be happy if I get into the first round.

My goal is playing in the NFL for a long time. I'm my own harshest critic, so if I play up to my capabilities, I'll be fine. If you're sincere and passionate about what you love to do, everything you put into it will pay off.

Wisconsin wide receiver Lee Evans appears on weekends through the draft with Bob Berger and Bob Stelton (1-7 p. m. ET) on Sporting News Radio.