STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football's Zach Arnett has secured his first Class of 2023 commitment since being announced as permanent head coach Thursday.

Cornerback Luke Evans, a former Cincinnati commit, flipped Thursday night and announced via social media that he is committing to Mississippi State.

Evans is a three-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida. Evans is rated as the nation's No. 51 cornerback and the state's No. 90 player. He's the 22nd commitment and third corner in MSU's upcoming class as the Dec. 21 signing day approaches.

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It has been a difficult week in Starkville following the death of coach Mike Leach on Monday night after complications from a heart condition. However, it has become apparent recruits want to pay tribute to the college football icon.

Quarterback and MSU commit Chris Parson, a four-star prospect out of Brentwood, Tennessee, told the USA Today Sports Network earlier this week that MSU's prospects should consider it a "badge of honor" to be the last class Leach recruited.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi State football: Zach Arnett lands first commit for 2023