Evans impressed with Andersen

Sun Prairie, Wis., class of 2014 defensive tackle Craig Evans decommitted from Wisconsin shortly after the Badgers completed their coaching change, but the four-star prospect is still considering the in-state program and is impressed with his early interactions with new head coach Gary Andersen.

"I did have a chance to talk with Andersen, the d-line coach and [Ben] Strickland," Evans said. "I do look forward to talking to those guys more."

Strickland is a holdover from the previous coaching staff and remains Evans' primary recruiter in Madison, but both Andersen and defensive line coach Chad Kauha'aha'a are new to the program and Evans is just starting to build those relationships.

"First impression of both of those guys was pretty good," Evans said. "With Coach Andersen, you can tell he is one of those more feistier coaches, likes to get after it and that's what I am looking for. The d-line coach seemed more laid-back and is going to teach you the fundamentals of what you need to do to get to the next level, but also have fun with it."

The 6-foot-3, 350-pound Evans currently lists offers from Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nebraska and Vanderbilt and considers himself "more wide open," at this stage of the process.

"Nebraska actually came in today," Evans said. "Coach [Barney] Cotton came in to watch me play basketball and move a little bit. He said it was nice to see that I opened things back up, and was telling me they were still hanging around."

Besides the schools that have offered Evans is receiving interest from the likes of Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri.

Evans has not attended any junior days, but plans to sit down this coming weekend and start planning campus visits.