OL Downer pledges to Ball State

Palatine (Ill.) senior offensive guard recruit Evan Downer (6-foot-4, 280 pounds) recently gave Ball State University his verbal commitment after making a recent official visit. Downer discusses his college choice and more here.

“I just truly felt at home at Ball State both times I’ve made visits,” Downer said. “I visited Ball State for a spring practice visit and then I took an official visit on June 21s. The official vidit definitely played a big role in my decision to commit to Ball State.”

Which Key Factors Sold Downer On Ball State

“I really like the coaches at Ball State and I get a long great with all of the coaches including Coach U (Ball State head coach Mike Uremovich). Everyone at Ball State has been just very welcoming on every visit I’ve made. The official visit to Ball State was important. I had a chance to get to know some of the players on then visit and I was able to see how I fit into the Ball State offense. I already know a few of the players on the team and I just was able to fit ij well with them.”

So which other schools did Downer consider before making his college choice?

“I looked hard at Wyoming, Washington State and also New Mexico. I did make an official visit to New Mexico recently and I liked it, but it just wasn’t for me. New Mexico is really far away from home and I just didn’t see myself being so far away from my family and friends. Ball State is just a much better for for me in the end and I’m very happy with my decision.”

Downer Waited to Make a Decision

“I would say that the hardest part of the process was just making time for it and how much involved it became. Recruiting took up a lot of time and it was hard just trying to figure out which schools really liked you or not. I’m just very happy it’s over. I thought about making my decision back in the spring but it wasn’t the right time. Now was the right time ande Ball State was the right school for me.”

Evan Downer is verbally committed to Ball State.