MDs Braun committed, but looking

Though he committed to West Virginia back in November, Westminster (Md.) Winters Mill defensive tackle Jeff Braun is far from a solid pledge. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder is looking around at a handful of schools.

"Right now I've got offers from West Virginia and Maryland," he said. "I did commit in November to West Virginia and it's solid, but I'm looking around to make sure it's the place I want to go. I'm checking out a few other places like Boston College, Maryland and others."

What is making Braun stick with his pledge to the Mountaineers?

"I'm mainly looking at West Virginia the most," he said. "I like them because of the whole family atmosphere they have there. I know the coaches and it feels like it's where I belong, it's comfortable there. I do believe that's the place I can succeed on and off the field.

"I also like coach Stewart, my lead recruiter. He's a great, down-to-earth guy that made me feel at home and coach Rodriguez is so genuine. I know recruiting is a business, but with them they are taking my well-being to heart."

Despite all that, Braun continues to be interested in other schools.

"I'm really interested in Boston College," he said. "I spoke with one of their coaches the other day and I'm hoping to go up there for a visit this summer. I haven't talked to anyone at Penn State, but I'm interested in them and hear a lot about the school.

"Then of course, Maryland is around. Nothing really has stood out to me there, but one thing I'm pondering is playing closer to home in front of my home state crowd with a lot of friends who can come to my games. The problem with them is that I don't really like the location of the school. It's a city of its own and I feel it would be hard to have that feeling of being secluded."

In the next month, Braun plans to take trips to West Virginia and Maryland.