Quince Orchard (MD) three-star cornerback Aydan West has made himself a familiar face in College Park over the last year having visited for games and individual visits multiple times, but his latest visit for the Michigan State game on Sunday gave the 5-foot-10, 160-pound target a chance to spend time with his new position coach.
“We didn’t go in the office or anything but when I got there, we were just talking, having a good time,” West told IBG. “I’m going to visit again soon and have a sit down, do other stuff, but they told me they’re planning to come see me again this week.”
Outside linebacker coach James Thomas Jr. had led the way with the three-star thus far with plans for Thomas to check back in to see the defending 4A champs this week. “We were supposed to see each other on Friday, he was supposed to come to the school but we ended up being out of school so it was good seeing him [Sunday].”
West and Thomas have a strong rapport as the two have kept in touch through the fall into the offseason, while West’s familiarity with Aazaar Abdul-Rahim stems from Boston College becoming the first offer during his sophomore season. Sunday’s visit gave the two more time to get to know each other in a relaxed environment as Maryland solidified itself as a viable contender in the early stages of his recruitment.
“He was the one who offered way back in the day so we associated with each other a little bit before. It was a good feeling. It was good seeing where I could be, where I have an opportunity to go play at a good place.”
Did the coaching change at his position alter his interest?
“Maryland, I’ll always have an interest in Maryland no matter what.”
Penn State became the latest school to offer after West was among the DMV prospects to make their way north to Penn State on Saturday for a junior day. “I went with some of my 7-on-7 teammates and my family. It was good seeing my teammates from high school up there too, Jaylen Harvey and Xavier Gilliam.”
Next up for West is a visit to Miami (FL) next weekend for a big 7-on-7 tournament in Florida, drawing a long list of DMV prospects.
Aydan West is rated a three-star prospect and an 87 overall by On3, sitting as the 15th-best prospect in Maryland.
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