Why the LSU Tigers need to go all in to bring controversial 5-star RB to Baton Rouge
By Zach Ragan
![ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Ed Orgeron of the LSU Tigers looks on from the sidelines during the game against the Oklahoma Sooners in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/02c15a1cb8e3870da9c7c22ea0bca11f2f89d6fb60d31e8a7046197e2fed88f0.jpg)
Former LSU Tigers recruiting target Zachary Evans won’t be heading to Georgia after all.
Zachary Evans, a five-star 2020 running back from Houston, brought an end to an eventful recruitment process in December when he secretly signed with the Georgia Bulldogs.
At least it looked like it was the end.
Evans, who never committed anywhere before signing with Georgia, won’t be playing in Athens next season, according to a report from 247Sports.
The nation’s top rated running back (according to 247Sports’ composite rankings), can’t sign another national letter of intent once he’s fully released by Georgia, but he will still be able to enroll in the fall and play next season.
New: 5-star RB Zach Evans said he signed with a school in December.
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) January 6, 2020
Now, @247Sports reports that Evans is not expected to end up at Georgia.
Here's the latest on the nation's No. 1 RB. https://t.co/p1YZfl2NP7 pic.twitter.com/edcmhwiETQ
While it’s unclear exactly what’s happened with Georgia, it’s likely that some of Evans’ off-the-field issues contributed to his separation from the Bulldogs.
Evans missed his high school’s state championship game because he was the only player who refused to turn in his cell phone the night before the game. He was also suspended three games last season for an issue that was handled “in house”.
It’s clear that Evans has some issues. But he addressed those issues at the Under Armor All-American game, saying that he’s a “really good kid” that “made some stupid decisions”. Evans added that he’s talked to former professionals on how to overcome adversity.
Former NFL legend Deion Sanders is in Evans’ corner.
I think LSU would be silly to not give Evans a chance (if he still wants to attend LSU, Texas A&M will also be a major factor).
Kids make mistakes. Sometimes multiple mistakes. But it’s important to remember that they’re still kids at this point. Perhaps Coach O and his staff can make an impact on Evans’ life in a way that transcends football.
Look, if it doesn’t work out, then it doesn’t work out. But LSU should still give Evans a shot. He’s too talented to not be playing in the SEC.