By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

June 23, 2009

Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith defensive lineman Evan Hailes has narrowed his list of 30 scholarship offers down to five schools.  Soon, that list will be down to just one.

“I have a top five,” Hailes said.  “It’s Penn State, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, North Carolina State and LSU.  I’ve visited Virginia Tech and Tennessee so far.  I visit Penn State this Friday.

“After I visit Penn State I’ll make my decision.  I’ll decide at the end of this week or beginning of next week.”

Since Hailes has not visited North Carolina State and LSU, and won’t visit either before he selects a college, it seems likely his decision is really down to three schools, with the Nittany Lions getting the last shot.

“I’ve never been to Penn State,” Hailes said.  “I’m driving up there with my mom, my dad and my girlfriend.  I’ll be there Friday and Saturday.”

Hailes, who is on the ESPNU 150 Watch List, is being recruited by Lions assistant coaches Bill Kenney and Larry Johnson.

“I like the (Penn State) coaches,” Hailes said.  “I want to see more when I get there.”

The 6-foot-1 and 310-pound Hailes started at both defensive and offensive tackle during his junior season.

Hailes made 81 tackles including 11 sacks in helping his team go undefeated, 15-0, and win a state championship last season.

Kurelic’s Comment:  Landing Hailes would be huge for Joe Paterno and staff.  The Nittany Lions have as good a shot as anyone and it should do nothing but help having the last visit.