Cornerback Phoenix Evans bonded with new coach Aaron Henry during a key Notre Dame visit, solidifying the Irish's strong pursuit.
The relationship between Notre Dame and talented 2028 cornerback Phoenix Evans has been growing for well over a year, and that continued this past weekend when he made another visit to campus. Evans was a standout at last summer's Irish Invasion and built a strong bond with then secondary coach Mike Mickens after several visits after that. This past weekend he got a chance to connect with the new secondary coach, Aaron Henry, and the Irish made another strong move.
"The visit helped a lot," Evans told Irish Breakdown. "I couldn’t wait to talk to Coach Henry. It was my first time meeting him and I had a connection with him right away. I like how he coaches and I like the relationship that we're building. I feel like he would be able to develop me."
A native of New Jersey, Evans is transferring to Bradenton, Fla./IMG Academy for his junior season. But no matter where he is playing, Notre Dame is going to make him a priority, something that Henry was able to relay during this most recent visit. Being able to see Henry coaching up the secondary was important for the 5-11, 165-pound corner.
"I enjoyed being in the position meeting before practice," Evans said. "Coach Henry talked about playing fast and communication, and that’s what they did. They were flying around and making plays."
Evans also got a chance to spend time with some of the players on his visit, notably his cousin, starting safety Adon Shuler. The New Jersey natives have occasionally spoken during their seasons, but this past weekend’s conversation was time well spent, giving him insight into the player side of Notre Dame.
"I spent some time with the players," Evans shared. "I was in meetings with all of the defensive backs andI got a chance to talk to Adon, my cousin, and Ethan Long. We play the same position group, so I look up to him as an example of how Notre Dame can develop me. We talked about Coach Henry and some other things.
"I talked to Elijah (Burress) and Nolan (James Jr.)," Evans continued. "Both were seniors at DePaul my freshman year. I had to cover Elijah and I had to cover Quincy Porter when I was a freshman, but I didn't get a chance to talk to Quincy.
The Fighting Irish have remained one of Evans’ top schools during the early part of his recruitment by showing him that he’s a priority and fit for the program. His time on campus, conversations and the overall experience reaffirmed the things that had them in a great position heading into the visit, and a moment with head coach Marcus Freeman left no doubt.
"I had a great meeting with Coach Freeman," Evans explained. "Coach Freeman said they want me to be part of the future at Notre Dame, He told me that I can be part of something great that will develop for life on and off the field. If I choose Notre Dame, it’s a decision for the rest of my life, and not just football."
Evans will visit a few more programs this spring to gather information that will help him cut down his list of schools. Then, he’ll be focusing on making an impact for his new school.
"The visit are important," Evans commented. "I want to take them and cut my schools down before the season, so I can focus on making an impact at my new school. Notre Dame is definitely going to be on the list."
Evans ranks 22nd nationally and the second best safety according to 247 Sports and holds offers from schools like Indiana, Ole Miss, USC, Oregon, Miami, Texas A&M and SMU amongst others. He also earned a Top 100 grade on the Irish Breakdown board.
Story written by Shaun Davis.
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