“As a father, Ole Miss coach [Houston] Nutt really made me believe, as a daddy himself, that he was going to help him do the things he wants to do - graduate, play at the hightest level and enjoy the college years,” said Perry Swindall, Evan’s coach and father. “It was the total package.”

Swindall said the meeting with UCF coaches was cordial. “They understood,” he said. “UCF has a great program, and Evan knows that. They just said if something changes to give them a call.”

Swindall said Auburn also offered Evan and invited him to make an official visit the same weekend his Ole Miss visit was scheduled.

“Nothing against Auburn, but he is not really an Auburn fan,” his dad said. “He grew up in Northwest Alabama, and Ole Miss was always pretty active in that area.”

Swindall also had offers from Middle Tennessee and South Florida. He said Tennessee also showed an interest, but never offered.

“His first goal was to play college football, but he always wanted to play in the SEC,” Swindall said.

Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to pgiltman@ajc.com

Here are briefs on the day’s top recruiting stories. Click on the headline of each story to read more.

Do you want to talk about UGA and Georgia Tech recruiting? Or have questions about the state’s top prospects? Then go to the AJC’s “Inside Georgia Recruiting” forum with Michael Carvell

You just want to read about UGA? Click here to go directly to all the UGA recruiting stories

You just want to read about Georgia Tech? Click on this link to go directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories

Are you a senior prospect overlooked by colleges? Here’s what to do about it and it’s never too late.

Note: Any inappropriate comments will not be tolerated, along with offensive “screen names.” Your posts are identified by the AJC with logging your IP address, not your screen name or email address. We encourage your comments and opinions, and only request that you use good judgement.

Permalink | Comments (14) | Post your comment | Categories: Alabama, Other schools, Tennessee, UGA

Comments

By OmniKnight

January 21, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Can’t fault Evan for wanting to play SEC football, but I think his talent may have been better utilized at UCF. He would have had an opportunity to step in immediately and contribute at the Center position, then spend the next four years developing in a starting role with fellow underclassemen starters. Best of luck.

By Doubt

January 21, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this

Linemen rarely play anywhere as a freshmen, UCF included. UCF’s Pat Brown was the exception, and now he’s headin’ to the NFL.

Nothing against Ole Miss, but to spurn UCF and even possibly Auburn to accept a greyshirt at Ole Miss is pretty crazy. Then again, guess lots of kids attend a school based on simply growing up a football fan! Silly.

By scottm

January 21, 2009 6:18 PM | Link to this

You have to wonder if this is more about his fathers dreams or his own. Either way, these hardly ever end up good. Evan is a very good talent, but chances are, he will not see the field for a long time at Ole Miss.

Good luck to him.

By The Ole Ball Coach

January 21, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this

Ole Miss offered a full ride - not a gray shirt. Evan Swindall may start his freshman year

He is as good a center as any in the nation Big, strong, nasty attitude, and can move it….