Albert Evans was more than anxious to start lifting weights in the offseason.

The Purdue sophomore and Portage grad just started lifting weights again about a month ago after recovering from right shoulder surgery for an acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation. The collarbone was rubbing against the shoulder blade and causing some deterioration. The collarbone had to be shaved back.

"I feel fine and I am just glad to be back lifting and getting ready for football," Evans said. "I need to get stronger and I need to put some weight back on."

Evans said he weighs about 200 pounds as he lost some weight after his surgery. His goal is to weigh 212 when the Boilermakers open practice in August. He had his surgery the Monday after the Purdue spring game.

After playing in 11 of the Boilermakers' 12 games as a freshman, he tied for the most tackles in the spring game with six. Evans is excited about this season as he will move to safety. He played a lot on special teams and some as a linebacker last year. The Gary resident said the challenge of taking on 300-plus-pound linemen helped with his aggressiveness.

"I remember going in as a linebacker against Oregon," Evans said. "I was pretty nervous, but I think I learned a lot from playing linebacker. You get that mentality and hopefully I can carry that over as a defensive back."

Purdue coach Danny Hope said Evans showed his versatility and Evans is not afraid to lay a hit on someone.

"Albert was forced into playing as a true freshman last season, and we had to move him to linebacker because we lacked depth at that position," Hope said. "Now he's back at safety, and he came out of the spring as one of hardest hitters in the secondary."

Evans said he knows his speed will be important in the secondary, but he still needs to be aggressive.

"I know I probably won't see too many 300-pound receivers, but I will see some fast ones and some big and strong ones," Evans said. "So you still have to be able to hit and be aggressive."

He also knows he needs to be smart as well as strong and quick.

"You have to work at it and know the situations, the guy you are going against," Evans said. "I want to be in great shape and be ready to play."