Evan Fairs down to Kansas and Illinois
Evan Fairs gave his commitment early in the recruiting process to Maryland. But when the Terrapins made a coaching change he opened his recruiting back up.
He built a strong bond with Maryland receivers coach Keenan McCardell and that changed when he wasn’t retained.
“I was close with coach McCardell and coach (Randy) Edsall and when they left I pretty much left with them,” Fairs said. “Since then it has been hectic because I’ve had other schools and of come in and try to get me to visit or offer me before signing day. But since I have narrowed it down to two schools it hasn’t been that bad lately.”
Fairs said his final two schools are Kansas and Illinois. He visited Illinois two weekends ago and will spend his final visit in Lawrence. Kansas assistant Calvin Thibodeaux started recruiting Fairs last year. He has also met with receivers coach Klint Kubiak.
“He came out during the spring time my junior year and also during the season,” Fairs said. “Coach Thibodeaux and I have a good relationship. We keep in contact all the time. He came to one of my basketball games and watched me. He’s had a chance to meet my parents and talk to them.”
Last weekend Kansas head coach David Beaty made a visit to Houston to meet with Fair’s parents. He is ready to take his visit to Kansas this weekend.
“I’m looking for a good atmosphere and how I will blend in with the players,” Fairs said. “I’m looking for a chance to get to know the coaches better. I want to see how the town is at Lawrence because I’ve never been there. I want to be able to enjoy the city when football isn’t going on.”
Last season Fairs had 55 catches for 940 yards and 14 touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Houston Touchdown Club Offensive Player of the Year. At 6-foot-3, 190 pounds the Kansas coaches said they like his size and play-making ability.
“He said they liked my film and for a tall guy I have good footwork,” Fairs said of the Kansas coaches. “He said I can go up and get the ball. He said they liked my stride but at the same time I can give you that quick one-two step and get out of my break. And he said I am a good target in the red zone.”