Evan Hull could be in store for a big-time 2024 campaign. The young running back certainly isn’t one of the most well-known members of the Indianapolis Colts. He’s not a household name like Jonathan Taylor, Quenton Nelson, or Michael Pittman Jr. Honestly, a lot of fans probably don’t know who he is or forgot he was even still on the roster.
Hull’s 2023 rookie year was pretty much nonexistent. He appeared in only one game, which was Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that contest, Hull suffered a meniscus injury, which would sideline him for the remainder of the season. He played eight snaps, rushing for one yard and catching a six-yard pass.
During the preseason, Colts fans got a glimpse of what Hull could do. The Northwestern product rushed for 53 yards and caught three passes for 17 yards and a touchdown. Hull hasn’t seen the field much so far in his career. Yet, he might become an impact next season if he stays healthy.
Evan Hull Could Have a Breakout 2024 Season
Starred for the Northwestern Wildcats
Hull spent four seasons with the Northwestern Wildcats. He was a teammate of defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, whom the Colts selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
During his first two years, Hull only rushed for a combined 495 yards and six touchdowns. However, he emerged as the go-to guy in 2021, producing 1,009 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 33 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns that year.
In 2022, Hull rushed for 913 yards and five touchdowns. He also recorded 55 catches for 546 yards and returned nine kicks for 181 yards. He became the 16th player since 2000 to average at least 75 rushing yards and 45 receiving yards during a season.
Hull was a jack of all trades in college. The Minnesota native contributed as a rusher, receiver, and kick returner. He was later drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, reuniting with Adebawore in Indy.
He Could Become Jonathan Taylor’s Primary Backup
Zack Moss is coming off the best season of his career. In 2023, the Colts’ backup running back had a total of 986 yards (794 rushing and 192 receiving) as well as seven touchdowns (five rushing and two receiving). Moss will be a free agent this offseason. He could receive an offer to start somewhere else, making him too expensive to re-sign. If that happens and he leaves Indianapolis, the Colts will need someone to play behind Taylor.
Hull could serve as a quality backup. The 5-foot-10, 209-pounder has a muscular build and is a compact runner. He runs with north/south energy and possesses great pass-catching abilities out of the backfield.
Even if Moss returns to the Colts, Hull could still get a lot of playing time in 2024. Taylor has been sidelined with injuries in each of the past two seasons. The 2021 rushing champ missed six games in 2022 and seven this past season. Moss has also dealt with injuries, missing three games during the 2023 campaign.
Indy’s ‘23 draft class is full of promising players like Anthony Richardson, Julius Brents, Josh Downs, and Will Mallory. Several of those guys might have breakout years next season. Evan Hull could do the same if he gets the opportunity.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
