Just mention the Big Ten’s style of smashmouth football and Shane Evans perks up.

The Prairie Ridge junior offensive lineman insists his 6-foot-5, 290-pound frame is perfectly suited for the league’s physical style, making the next few weekends an exciting stretch as he begins to plan for his future.

Evans will visit Illinois this weekend after taking part in Iowa’s junior days last weekend, getting his first taste of the brand of football he could be playing once he graduates in 2014. Evans also plans to travel to Minnesota soon and has drawn recruiting interest from Big Ten destinations Wisconsin, Nebraska, Michigan State and Northwestern, according to Rivals.com.