B/R Recruiting Notebook: 4-Star WR Says Commitment 'Felt Like Home'

Nine days.

In a matter of nine days, college football recruits will participate in national signing day, finalizing their college futures with a signature on a letter of intent. One 4-star athlete solidified his plans Monday, committing to play in the SEC.

Before national signing day, college coaches will get one more week of official visits to sell their programs to big-name targets.

Here are the latest updates, along with some athletes to watch as we inch closer to Feb. 3.

Ole Miss lands 4-star WR Tre Nixon

Fresh off an official visit to Ole Miss, 4-star wide receiver Tre Nixon of Melbourne, Florida, decided to end his process Monday afternoon, verbally committing to the Rebels via Twitter. Nixon chose Ole Miss over offers from Georgia, Auburn and other programs.

"As soon as I walked on campus, it felt like home," Nixon said. "I can't express how comfortable I felt around all the coaches and players, and that's what did it for me...family."

"

HOTTY TODDY!!  pic.twitter.com/Xc3vO9wyLr

— Tre Nixon (@tre_nixon1) January 25, 2016"

The news wasn't what Auburn fans wanted to hear, as he was expected to take his final official visit there this weekend. Nixon told Bleacher Report he will no longer take that visit.

Nixon said he valued the fanbase in Oxford and the program's offense. He also liked the direction of the quarterback play, which is expected to be led by 5-star Shea Patterson.

Nixon said his decision ultimately came down to three things: "Comfort level, offensive scheme and a wide receiver coach who can develop me."

Can LSU seal the deal for in-staters Fulton, Carter?

When it comes to in-state recruiting, few are as good at keeping their top-tier talent as the LSU Tigers. They have two big names they're hoping to land by national signing day, cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Shyheim Carter.

The task, however, won't be easy.

Fulton, a 5-star prospect and the nation's No. 2 cornerback, took an official visit to Arkansas over the weekend and has a scheduled official visit this weekend to Florida. A ball hawk who had 11 interceptions this past season at Archbishop Rummel, Fulton told 247Sports' Cole Eddy that he enjoyed the trip and felt comfortable in Fayetteville.

Carter, a 4-star prospect and the No. 9 cornerback, reportedly visited Alabama over the weekend and has a scheduled official visit to Ole Miss this weekend. Carter, who was used on both sides of the ball at Kentwood High School, was once committed to Alabama and, according to 247Sports' Barton Simmons, could be back as a member of the Crimson Tide 2016 class.

LSU currently has the top-ranked recruiting class of this cycle. Landing one of these two athletes would be huge in keeping that top spot.

Michigan pledge's goal: Commit, then leave the country

Los Angeles 4-star cornerback David Long Jr. committed to Michigan on Thursday. The next day, the nation's No. 8 cornerback boarded a plane for Italy.

Consider it a gift to himself of sorts. Long, who will use the next few days to explore Florence, Rome and Venice, said the trip—made with a few classmates—serves as the ultimate refresher in what has been a hectic recruiting process.

"

pic.twitter.com/J4Fq65coLv

— David Long Jr. (@dee_knowz) January 24, 2016"

"This gives me a new focus," Long said of the trip. "I told myself after I committed that there will be a new focus and a new goal. I'm definitely excited about the next the chapter of my life, but recruiting has been nonstop. Whether it's been at camps or at a game, I've been getting hammered. It's definitely a blessing and a curse."

Long ended his process by adding depth to a Michigan class in the running as the nation's top-ranked recruiting class of the 2016 cycle. The Wolverines currently are sitting at No. 3 behind LSU and Ohio State, but with nine days left until national signing day, Michigan has a few elite-level targets to keep an eye on.

As for Long, his sole focus is on enjoying Italy for the rest of the week. It's a chance for him to fully unwind and put recruiting to the side.

"I'm just grateful for it all," he said. "I'm happy for all of the opportunities, but I'm glad that it's all over." 

Sleeper alert: Lacrosse commit can play football, too

Darien, Connecticut's Mark Evanchick will play lacrosse at the University of Pennsylvania next year. The Quakers' football coaching staff, however, may want to give him a second look for their football program during the fall season.

As a 6'0", 238-pound defensive end, Evanchick was the Connecticut Gatorade Football Player of the Year after recording 89 tackles and 23.5 sacks on the season. He finished his high school career with a state-record 66.5 sacks, according to the Stamford Advocate.

Evanchick's speed and power made him a player to watch throughout his college career. He's a three-time All-State player who broke an 18-year-old career sack record once held by the Arizona Cardinals' Dwight Freeney. In fact, the feat was so big, Freeney congratulated Evanchick with a video played by the NFL Network.

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles