Miami continuing hard push for top-100 offensive lineman

The race for Sanford (Fla.) Seminole top-100 offensive lineman Max Buchanan is tight as college coaches continue pouring into his high school to check up on the 6-foot-4, 279-pound prospect, and Miami is well in the mix ahead of an expected in-school visit next week.

No team has gained meaningful separation for Buchanan between Miami, Florida State, Clemson, Ole Miss, UCF and Penn State despite aggressive pushes from all six schools, the No. 96 overall prospect and No. 7 interior offensive lineman told CaneSport. Buchanan took an official visit to Ole Miss the final weekend of April and has summer official visits set with the other five schools. As his recruitment continues the race is still incredibly tight.

Ole Miss and Clemson are expected to visit his school Thursday, Penn State dropped by his school last week, and UCF is expected to attend his spring game later this month. Buchanan is listed as an interior offensive lineman but is not being recruited at a specific position by Miami.

“To be honest, they’re all pretty similar,” Buchanan told CaneSport regarding his leaders. “They’re all texting me nonstop and they’re all giving me calls. I feel like I have a great relationship with all of the coaches in my top six.”

Buchanan says he’s beginning to get a better feel for the pros and cons of each program, and believes his official visits could move the needle toward the school at which he ultimately ends up. Miami being within driving distance for his parents is also an attractive bonus, he adds.

“You know, it’s Miami,” Buchanan said. “It’s Florida, right there. They have a great relationship with my parents. My parents love everything about it there. I mean, it’s Miami. There’s nothing really more about it. It’s Miami.”

Buchanan adds it appeals to him that coaches Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal,with a concerted focus on offensive line play and offensive line development, can help develop him. Buchanan points to Cristobal’s commitment to offensive line play as a factor that could potentially give the Hurricanes a leg up down the stretch if all the schools are tied.

Buchanan plans to commit some time around July or August before the start of his senior season, but after his official visits. He has yet to lock in a date.

CaneSport’s Take

Buchanan’s ability to play anywhere along the offensive line has made him a top target for major programs this recruiting cycle, and I expect the Hurricanes to be a contender in his recruitment until the end. This is anyone’s race.

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