Darren Evans kicks-off new TAP program

Virginia Tech’s star tailback may be out for the year with an injury, but he’s making an impact off the field.
   
As we reported in August, Darren Evans tore his left ACL during practice, forcing him to sit out the rest of the season.
   
Evans set a school record for rushing back in 2008 prior to his injury and told us his son, James, serves as his biggest motivation when he plays.
   
Wednesday, he served as the keynote speaker at TAP’s Head Start Fatherhood Program kick-off.

From the podium he told the crowded room of moms and dads his story and why he’s more than qualified to be a keynote speaker on being involved in your child’s life.
“I have a child, I’ve got to be a role model, I’ve got to love him and protect him and do all of that,” explained 20-year-old Evans.
   
Evans moved to Blacksburg from Indiana his freshman year without his son.
“It was miserable, because I didn’t know what was going on.  It’s so hard to get information over the phone,” Evans said.
   
2-year-old James and his mom now live with Evans in Hokie Nation.
   
When TAP began their search for a star to headline their celebration they wanted someone local young men would recognize.

In 2007 out of a 1,000 teen girls more than 70 had become pregnant in Roanoke City, that’s the second highest teen pregnancy rate in the state. 

Organizers hoped Darren Evans would attract some of those young fathers.
“Anybody can be a father, but it takes a special one to be a daddy,” said Pam Ellington-Armah, Head Start Family Service Supervisor.

“Just playing with him, wrestling around with him giving him hugs and kisses and stuff and just not being afraid to teach him right and wrong,” Evans says is the best part of being a dad.

His message is heard and seen.