Evans loves the coaches attitude
Western Michigan once again has a commitment by the name of Evans in the class of 2013, this time on the defensive side of the trenches. This time, the Broncos hope to hold on to one of their prized targets.
The first commitment in the cycle was Illinois offensive lineman Ki-Jana Evans, but he reneged on his pledge in June and remains available. Now, the Broncos have secured a verbal from Delray Beach, Fla. product Todney Evans.
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WMU has put an emphasis on finding speed rushers from the outside, with current Broncos Paul Hazel and Jarrell McKinney embodying the philosophy. Evans, at 6-foot-4 and 212 pounds, has a similar body type to those two and will likely fill the same type of hybrid defensive end/linebacker position. Evans acknowldeged that the type of defense WMU runs played a role in his decision.
"They said I can do what I do best, which is come off the edge and make plays," Evans said.
There is also a chance for WMU to develop a new pipeline with Delray Beach's Atlantic High School, a solid program in the region. Rivals.com lists eight Division I prospects from Atlantic in the class of 2013, and WMU has interest from two of them in addition to the Evans commitment. Three-star prospects Brisly Estime and Tevin Spells are both on the board for the WMU staff. In addition to the 2013 targets, current cornerback Ronald Zamort is an alum of the Atlantic program.
Evans gave his commitment to quarterbacks coach Ryan Cubit, and also named another coach as a major reason for committing.
"What made my choice is when I talk to them I feel comfortable, we laugh and talk about life. Coach McGarigle has been very friendly towards me," Evans explained. "There's been a lot of points, but one main point that meant the most… I called Coach Cubit, and he let me talk to everyone he walked by. We all had a conversation like we knew each other already."
Along with Andre Turner of Harper Woods, Mich., Evans is the second defensive end verbal of the class. It is expected that, should both players stick to their commitments, that should fill the class at the position.
For now, Evans is focused on his upcoming senior season of high school. He does want to take his official visit to WMU, but when asked about a timeframe for that, Evans said he's waiting to achieve another goal.
"After we win the state title."