Michael Van Buren, Under Armour All-American QB, taking Oregon 'very seriously' after trip, visiting Maryland, LSU next

Class of 2024 St. Frances Academy (Maryland) quarterback Michael Van Buren is an Under Armour All-American Game selection and is one of the most coveted passers in the country.

Following the recent recruiting trends at the quarterback position, Van Buren's status as a elite high school junior means a commitment could come sooner rather than later.

Asked when he plans to decide, the Maryland product was ready with an answer.

"Early next year, I can tell you that... after the season," Van Buren said. "But if I don't make my decision by early next year, I'm going to take all of my (official visits) and make my decision right after that. So, possibly January, but no later than spring." 

With a decision a few months away, the 6-foot, 180-pound signal-caller is sorting out his options.

After visiting the Oregon Ducks in September, they are firmly in the mix.

"I think Oregon was a great place," Van Buren said. "Autzen Stadium was rocking and the whole school wasn't even back yet. The gameday atmosphere was great, the coaching staff had great energy, they got a big win over BYU. Everything was just great. The players told me a lot about the school and the coaches showed a lot of love."

The trip was enough to make Dan Lanning's program a major threat to land the Maryland bluechip passer. 

"I'm taking Oregon really serious," Van Buren said. :I don't have any top contenders right now, but if I did they would definitely be up there, I'll tell you that. I'm taking them very seriously. I feel good about them."

Asked if Oregon will be in it to the end, he didn't hesitate.

"Yes, yes they will," he said, before adding that he will make a return trip to Eugene soon. 

Some fans may wonder how much bluechip 2023 quarterback commitments, like "Dante Moore to Oregon," may factor into Van Buren's decision.

But he's not worrying about the class before him.  

"I've been telling people this, wherever 2023s go, it doesn't affect me," he said. "It could be the No. 1 quarterback in the country, it's about where I want to go and where I can benefit. I'm not scared to go and compete against anybody."

Van Buren hopes to visit Alabama and Oklahoma soon, but hasn't yet set dates for those trips.

He will, however, be at LSU on October 22 for the matchup against Ole Miss. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing the gameday atmosphere," Van Buren said. "People always talk about how they have the best fans. I'm excited to meet the new coaching staff and see how everyone is liking it in the transition to the new coaching staff."

While he doesn't yet have an offer, St. Frances teammate Dashawn Womack, the nation's No. 5 defensive lineman, is committed to LSU and working to bring his quarterback with him to Baton Rouge. 

"He's pulling to get there," Van Buren said. "They haven't offered yet, but I'm hoping I can go down there and get some good news." 

In the more immediate future, Van Buren will visit a local school soon.

"I'll be at Maryland this weekend," he said. "First things first, it's the home team, so it's never too bad playing in your backyard. That's No. 1. They've been having a great season and they go get playmakers. I know I would have some playmakers around me and it's home." 

Clearly there's a lot to sort out before Van Buren is ready to decide, but he's also got some strong contenders emerging. 

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