Watching the nationally televised Monon Bell Classic — played between Wabash College and DePauw University’s football teams — Seymour’s Evens Cribs knew that’s where he wanted to be.
Cribs can now look forward to stepping onto the field for the big game in November.
On Monday, the senior signed his letter of intent to join DePauw upon graduating from Seymour.
The defensive back recorded a team-high 78 tackles (56 solo, 22 assists) in his final season with the Owls.
A team captain, Cribs was named All-Hoosier Hills Conference Honorable Mention.
Cribs said that he feels like he has a lot to offer the Tigers’ program.
“My ability to cover receivers,” Cribs listed as a strength. “I think I press well on the line and have speed. I’m planning on playing corner, but going into the summer we might have tryouts to see if I fit anywhere else or in a dual-position role.
“I’m open to everything — it’s a new experience. I love football and am not ready for it to be over yet. I just want to keep going as long as I can.”
An intangible for the Owls this past fall was Cribs’ energy.
“On the field, he brings the most energy I’ve ever seen,” Owls assistant coach Brice Darling said. “It’s almost infectious. He makes everyone step up their game to the next level. He’s going to work just as hard on the field as he is off.”
The Tigers, an NCAA Division III school, play in the North Coast Athletic Conference.
Last season, the Tigers finished 8-2 overall.
DePauw’s football program is currently the 17th most winning in Division III history.
While football is important to Cribs, academics played a much larger role in his decision to attend DePauw.
Cribs said that he plans to study business finance so that he can one day become a stockbroker.
While Cribs will be missed at Seymour, the coaching staff knows he will have success in the future.
“It’s a great school academically, and I know that’s a huge reason who he chose DePauw,” Darling said. “Academics are by far his number one priority.”
Cribs said he will view numerous spring practices before moving to the school in late July or early August to start his college football career.