OT Day to Illinois State
Batavia (Ill.) senior offensive tackle recruit Evan Day (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) decided to end his recruiting process over the weekend and gave Illinois State his verbal commitment.
"I was ready to make my college choice," Day said. "I looked hard at my options and in the end Illinois State was just too hard of an opportunity to pass up so I committed."
Day talked about why he pledged to the in-state Illinois State Redbirds.
"I like to win. I play for a pretty successful high school program in Batavia and Illinois State is just the right fit for me. Distance was really not a factor for me at all. I looked at a few other schools like Eastern Michigan and also South Dakota and if they felt like the right place I would have committed. Illinois State offers a great education plus the football program is a winner. I just feel very comfortable at ISU."
Day can now just focus on his upcoming senior season.
"I'm really glad it's over. I always wanted to make my decision before the start of the season. I didn't want my recruiting to get in the way and be a distraction to my team. Now I can just go out and focus on the season."
Today also happens to be the first day of IHSA football practice.
"Today will be a fun day. We start at 8AM and it does feel a bit different since it's my last high school season. It's my last season of high school ball and my last chance to win a state title. It definitely feels more important this year."
So is this the year for Batavia?
"Every year is always the year. We always have the potential to win a state title every year. Last season we just shot ourselves in the foot too much against good teams. If we can avoid the mistakes and turnovers from last year we have a great chance."
Day and Batavia will open the 2016 IHSA football season on Friday, August 26th at Belleville West.
Evan Day is verbally committed to Illinois State University.