Evans clarifies status with Badgers
One of Wisconsin's big, early pickups in the 2014 class was in-state defensive tackle Craig Evans, but the four-star prospect reopened his recruitment following the Badgers' coaching transition.
On Sunday, Evans spent time in Madison with new head coach Gary Andersen and his staff, and the visit exceeded his expectations.
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"It was very good, went very well," Evans said. "I got to sit down and really connect with the coaches today, and that was a real big plus for Wisconsin.
"I probably spent the most time with Coach Andersen. Me and him sat down and got to have a nice conversation with my coach. He is most definitely more of a player's coach. He cares about them as a player, and more importantly as a person. He wants to interact with your life and he goes above and beyond.
"I got to spend some time with Coach Chad [Kauha'aha'a] and the D-coordinator, but not as much as I got to spend with Coach Andersen. I definitely got a feel for what type of people they are."
Evans originally committed to Wisconsin last summer, but reopened his recruitment following the coaching change. Following Sunday's visit, however, he was feeling much more on board with the Badgers.
"I told them I never necessarily decommitted, I just opened my [recruitment] back up," Evans said. "I told them I am just going to take some time and let all this soak in, but basically I am still on board."
The 6-foot-3, 350-pound Evans holds five offers outside of the one from Wisconsin. His latest offer came from Ole Miss, which caught the attention of the Jackson, Miss., native.
"Actually it was surprising," Evans said. "My coach called me down one day last week and said 'Ole Miss wants you to call them.' I called them, spoke with the defensive line coach and they basically offered me a full ride."
Evans does plan to make a visit to Ole Miss at some point during the recruiting process. He also has a couple of other schools in mind for trips this fall.
"I plan to sit down with my coach and see if he wants to come along on some visits I go on," Evans said. "Probably my next visits right now would be getting out to Michigan State and Pittsburgh, get a feel for that environment, system and things around there."
At this point, though, Wisconsin sits at the top of the four-star defensive tackle's interest list and he considers himself a soft verbal commitment to the Badgers.