Evan Jager is totally accepted by the Kenayans as one of the best. Ezekiel Kemboi wished Jager the best. “I am wishing him luck, [that] one time Evan Jager of the United States [will] be a world champion or an Olympic champion.â€
Kemboi said last year after Paris where Jager nearly broke 8 minutes despite falling in the race, “I told the guys in Kenya, 'We must work extra hard to beat this guy'
Kemboi also offered Jager and Kipruto his coaching services, "Now that I’ve retired I’ll go and teach him [Kipruto] how to jump, even if Evan Jager wants my teaching I’ll teach him to jump." He laughed and said, "When they come to me, if they want my services they’ll have to pay good money."