by Larry Fitzgerald   Redskins.com

A year ago, defensive end Demetric Evans was considered a long shot to establish himself in the NFL. After getting released by the Dallas Cowboys in 2003, he caught on with the Cologne Centurions of NFL Europe. He impressed overseas--recording 24 tackles and 2.5 sacks--and signed a free agent contract with the Redskins last June.

Now, Evans is being counted on as a key figure in the Redskins' defensive end rotation.

"I was a long shot to make it this far," the 6-3, 300-pounder said. "But anyone who's not a starter is a long shot. Teams are always looking to replace a player. In this league, over-achievers are the ones who can find success."

Given the NFL Europe season, which runs from April through June, Evans played football almost year-round in 2004. After his stint with Cologne ended, he arrived at Redskins Park behind the curve in terms of learning the defensive schemes.

"I wasn't getting the same coaching that guys on the team had been getting, I wasn't getting the on-the-field workouts or the film study," he said. "I was behind the eight ball because I had to absorb a lot of information to catch up with everybody else.

"Then coaches look at you and say, 'This guy was in NFL Europe, he's not going to make it. He might have the potential, but his body might not hold up. Mentally, he's not going to be prepared because he's so drained from NFL Europe.'"

With Phillip Daniels sidelined most of last season due to injuries, Evans ended up playing in 12 games for the Redskins, starting eight. He logged 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Evans admitted that his body felt worn down toward the end of the season.

"My body was in game condition all year long," he said.

Remarkably, the wear and tear didn't show in the Redskins' season finale against Minnesota. Evans logged seven tackles and 1.5 sacks versus Daunte Culpepper and the playoff-bound Vikings.

This offseason, Evans is back in a normal NFL workout regimen.

"This year, I have an opportunity to be in an off-season program that I wasn't in last year," he said. "I have the ability to get stronger, faster and more prepared for mini-camps and training camp."

Evans is entering his fourth NFL season. He grew up in Haynesville, La., and played his collegiate ball at Georgia, starting every game his senior season. He entered the league as an undrafted rookie free agent in April 2001, signing with the Dallas Cowboys.

Evans played in all 16 games his rookie season with the Cowboys--recording 35 tackles and one sack--but his playing time decreased in 2002. He was released following training camp in September 2003.

The release has been a motivating factor for Evans ever since.

Even after establishing himself last season, Evans is focused on improving his craft this offseason.

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