Mid-Atlantic

After Ashburn (Va.) Stone Bridge won its state championship last season, a number of schools have shown interest in the school’s prospects.

Mike Olson is the latest player to receive an offer, and he quickly turned around and made a decision to his dream school Wednesday evening.

"Mike had been to a lot of junior days," Stone Bridge coach Mickey Thompson said. "I visited Wake Forest with my two sons and they expressed a lot of interest in Mike. I recommended he get down to Wake Forest, and he went down recently to watch practice.

"After meeting him and talking with him, they told him they'd make a decision within a couple days. He then received the offer last night and committed."

According to Thompson, Wake Forest was a dream school for Olson.

"He really liked the coaches and liked the fact the campus is small," he said. "Everybody seems to know each other there.

"I think it's a great choice, too. It's really nice to help a kid get to a place he really wants to go. It's not like it is a ‘I guess I'll take it,’ this is a dream of his and he's able to get there. I'm thrilled for him."

Thompson went on to discuss his talented linebacker a bit more.

"His work ethic and intensity stand out, he is just a driven kid," he said. "Great players have all that and he also has a love of the game. That comes out when people meet him. His best days of football are ahead of him.

"He runs sideline to sideline and does all things really good linebackers do. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, a lot of energy and enthusiasm. His body is catching up with his mind. Plus, he is one of those coach-on-the-field type of guys. He has become a role model around here."

Olson posted 103 tackles, four sacks, four forced fumbles, two recoveries and an interception as a junior last season.

Heartland

The recruiting process has taken off for Plano East running back Toben Opurum. Already, the big and powerful back has five official offers.

"It's been pretty hectic, but it's been exciting to be a part of," Opurum said. "Just having to call coaches and answering e-mails every now and then keeps you busy. Right now I've got offers from Purdue, Nebraska, Wake Forest, Tulsa and Kansas. I think Texas A&M, Minnesota and Northwestern offers are on the way."

Kansas and Purdue are the two schools that stick out, but Opurum is ready for more.

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"I'm really open to what there is out there for me," he said. "I'm not really picky right now. Nebraska … I know they're looking for a back my size to help their offense and I'd be completely into doing that. Tulsa, I know they had the No. 1 offense in the country last season. I know people up at Purdue because my best friend's brother, Jared Crank, is probably going to be a starter there next year."

Only one school has been lucky enough to get Opurum on campus.

"I went to the Texas A&M Junior Day, but I've just had so many things to do, I haven't had time for much," he said.

It is easy to see why colleges are interested in the talented running back. At 6 feet 2 and 230 pounds, Opurum has great size and strength, but he is more than just a power back.

"My strength is just my versatility," he said. "I'm going to be playing a little bit of defense, too. I'm good at catching the ball out of the backfield and hitting the hole with power. I've gotten a lot bigger since last season, so I just want to maintain my speed and agility."

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