St. Frances (MD) four-star quarterback Mike Van Buren has been active with his recruitment in recent weeks after taking visits to Maryland, Oregon and Penn State with spring practices in full swing. The 5-foot-11.5, 185-pound quarterback made it out to Oregon for the third time this year where the biggest takeaway was his mom getting a chance to meet the Ducks’ staff. “When she went, coach Dillingham was still there so for her to meet coach Stein in-person was really big for her, so it was a great time,” Van Buren told IBG. Van Buren then got a chance to return to Happy Valley as the confidence surrounding the Nittany Lions’ chances began to rise. “They actually didn’t practice that day, but we went up there, spent more time with the coaches some more. It was good seeing everyone.” His next trip came days later to Maryland where the Terps looked to turn up the heat as offensive coordinator Josh Gattis picks up the pace with his top target. “They’re pretty much just doing the same stuff that they did when coach Gattis and coach Locks were at Bama. They like to implement a lot of that stuff. That was the year they won a national championship also. That really impresses me.” Where Maryland benefits is the longstanding relationship between Van Buren and Mike Locksley, and with his familiarity with the system, Van Buren has a good grasp for how he fits the offensive style. “It’s been going good. Since I’m right down the street, of course I’m going to get up there as much as I can. Build a relationship with coach Locks, coach Gattis and all those guys. I feel good about Maryland. They’re sitting in a real good spot right now.” Van Buren added that despite the staff change, the message from Maryland has remained the same. “It’s really the same message. The same message he gave me even when coach Enos was there. Stay home, put on for your hometown.” The next visit for Van Buren is a return trip to Oregon for next weekend’s spring game. “Just going up there. Trying to build my relationship with the coaches before I make this decision. I went up there three times so I’m trying to do as much as I can before I make this decision before I decide between the schools I’m really feeling right now.” With a commitment date set for July 8, Van Buren is set to officially visit Penn State on June 16 then Oregon on June 24. An official visit to Maryland remains on the table as he irons out dates, but he adds Miami has been in contact and could be in a position to secure an official visit. “I’m about to narrow the list down again, drop something real soon. I have my fair share of looks, been up to each school a good amount of times. The only school I haven’t been to is Miami, but I don’t feel rushed.” With St. Frances back on the field for spring ball already, Van Buren is rated a four-star prospect and a 90 overall by On3, sitting as the sixth-best prospect in Maryland. Related Links
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