Linebacker Donta Evans, an Ole Miss commitment, visited Fayetteville on June 12 and has plans to return for an official visit in part because of strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert.
His parents made the June trip to Arkansas with Evans.
“They loved everything, especially coach Herb,” Evans said. “He’s a great strength coach and I’m pretty sure he can develop guys to get ready for the next level and be the best football players they can be. So they think everything about Arkansas is great.”
Coach Bret Bielema likes to get to know prospects before deciding if the athlete is a good fit for the program.
“He was a linebackers coach before he said most of his career so he knows a good linebacker and he feels like I’m a great fit,” Evans said.
Evans, 6-3, 230, of Lawrenceville, (Ga.) Archer, narrowed his list of approximately 20 scholarship offers to Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Auburn and Missouri. On Aug. 2, he committed to the Rebels.
What could change his mind about his pledge?
“I’m strong on my commitment right now, but I’m not sure what it’s going to take because all I’m thinking about is Ole Miss,” Evans said. “I’m still going to take all my officials and enjoy the recruiting process.”
Evans, who recorded 153 tackles, 32 for losses, 6 forced fumbles and an interception as a junior, also plans to take official visits to Ole Miss, Kentucky, Auburn and Missouri.
He communicates with Bielema, linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves and his lead recruiter and defensive line coach Rory Segrest.
“All three of them DM me (on Twitter),” Evans said.
Arkansas’ weight room usually gets good reviews from recruits and Evans was no different.
“I think it was 112 yards long which is the biggest one I’ve ever seen on any of my visits,” Evans said.