Zack Evans is making a big impression at Roughriders training camp.

The defensive lineman joined the team this year after playing for the Regina Thunder. He did practice with the team a little bit last season.

Evans has had a pretty good camp, but Wednesday night in B.C. was his coming out party. He was one of the most consistent threats to put pressure on the Lions' quarterbacks.

That is something that didn't seem to surprise head coach Corey Chamblin.

"Before the game, seriously, he was a guy I wanted to make a captain," said Chamblin. "Because I felt he would do something special, and he did."

Chamblin went on to say that if Evans keeps playing like he does, he'll have a pretty good shot at making the team.

Despite the praise from his coach, the fans and media, Evans says he still feels he can play better, saying he wants to limit his mistakes that put him into a bad position.

"Coach Chamblin said, 'Good job Zack', but I was really just trying to do my job really," said Evans.

As for those practices with the team last year, Evans says it made a huge difference for him coming into this year's camp.

"Last year I was scared, I was young, I was scared," said Evans. "I'm not quite as scared (now), I know the systems a little better, and I can start playing."

Not only is he a Thunder alumni, but he's also born and raised in Regina. Donning the green and white is like a dream come true for Evans.

"I pretty much cry every time we get on the field," said Evans. "The first run out, I got tingles. I was scared for a little bit, for the first couple plays, and then I got into my own."

Evans also has some advice for junior players hoping to play pro football themselves.

"It's all about hard work. Off season workouts is very, very hard," said Evans. "You got to try your best and really learn what you need to do, and actually just try harder."

Edited by CJME's Karen Brownlee.