Georgia Tech coaches made an impression on two in-state prospects early Friday, making home visits at midnight on the first day of the contact period leading to the spring signing period, which begins Feb. 6.
Rome High running back Jamious Griffin, an N.C. State commit who took an official visit to Tech in December, and Central Gwinnett High linebacker Cornelius Evans both received visits from multiple members of the Yellow Jackets coaching staff at the earliest possible opportunity permitted by NCAA rules. Evans reported a scholarship offer from Tech in a tweet.
Such visits, particularly from multiple coaches, undoubtedly make an impression on recruits as indications of high interest as the signing period approaches. Coaches can be on the road from Friday through the first Saturday in February. The NCAA rules regulate when coaches are allowed to be on the road making visits at high schools and recruits’ homes.
Evans told the AJC in an email that the visit, which was set up last week, was “amazing.” He said that he connected with the Tech coaches, who “came across as down to earth, good overall people.” Evans said that coaches told him that they have one spot for his position and that he’s at the top of their list.
“I feel strong about them also,” Evans wrote.
Evans was visited by cornerbacks coach Jeff Popovich, outside linebackers/defensive ends coach Larry Knight, defensive coordinator Andrew Thacker and safeties coach Nathan Burton. Offensive coordinator Dave Patenaude, running backs coach Tashard Choice and wide receivers coach Kerry Dixon made the trip to see Griffin, who is the younger brother of Jackets defensive lineman Quon Griffin.
Griffin is a four-star running back who committed to N.C. State in May. He is scheduled to take an official visit to Auburn this weekend.
Evans does not have a recruiting ranking from Rivals or 247Sports, but he’s evidently flying well below the radar. Evans said he’s also considering Nebraska, UCLA, Colorado State and South Alabama. He has an official visit set up for Tech next weekend.
He typifies the “long and athletic” body type that Collins and Thacker are seeking for the Tech defense.
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