Is 4-Star OLB Rashaan Evans a Lock to the SEC?

Elite 2014 linebacker Rashann Evans is flourishing as a high school standout in the heart of SEC country. The odds appear in favor of him remaining in the region through his college career.

The 6'3", 220-pound Auburn High School (Ala.) playmaker told Scout.com writer John Garcia that four SEC squads are firmly in the mix for his services. Evans said Auburn, Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee remain in the equation, while UCLA is the only conference outsider under consideration.

The 4-star recruit is ranked the nation's No. 4 outside linebacker and No. 44 overall prospect by 247Sports. His offer sheet features programs from conferences across the country.

Notre Dame, USC, Florida State, Clemson and Oregon are among teams that have extended Evans a scholarship. He spent an official visit weekend at UCLA in late September.

Evans told Scout.com he plans to visit Knoxville next.

“I’m trying to go to Rocky Top next week,” he said. “I don’t know if I will take all my officials yet, so I may take one there to Tennessee."

Evans has visited both Alabama and Auburn on multiple occasions. The in-state SEC rivals may be looking at yet another recruiting battle.

He spent time in Athens with the Bulldogs in March.

Aside from being an excellent defender in run coverage, Evans is an exemplary pass-rusher. He has 11 sacks this season, per MaxPreps.

Although he's journeyed to the campuses of each of his top options, Evans admits the race is relatively close across the board.

“It’s even, I love the organizations, the fans, everything about all of the schools," he told Garcia. "Hopefully one of the schools can be my favorite and kind of break up a little bit.”

Like many recruits, there's one person whose opinion matters most in the process. Evans wants to make sure his mother approves of any choice.

"I just continue talking, developing relationships with everyone but my mom is the key," he told Garcia. "If they can get mom on board, that will probably the last decision I make. She’s basically been to all of the schools.”

That leads you to believe his destination is destined to be closer to home than Los Angeles. Evans is centered on four historic SEC powerhouses, with potential official visits to each school looming.

With all due respect to Jim Mora Jr. and his emerging Bruins program, the fight for Evans is ultimately an SEC matter.