2023 DeMatha (MD) offensive guard Michael Crounse is familiar with Maryland but made the weekend trip to campus for his first game. Despite a Terps’ loss, Crounse was encouraged with an improved gameday atmosphere before keeping a close eye on the Terps’ performance.
“It went pretty well. I loved the atmosphere when they were running out and obviously being on the sideline pregame, I loved,” Crounse told Inside the Black and Gold. “Definitely pretty cool.”
Running backs coach Elijah Brooks was DeMatha on Friday ahead of the Stags’ road game against Good Counsel and got a chance to reconnect with Brooks on Saturday ahead of kickoff. “It was more reconnecting. Of course, coach [Elijah] Brooks and I know each other and he was really the main guy that I talked to. I think he’s a really good coach and obviously, they were my first offer so I’m forever grateful for them to have that.”
Crounse projects as a guard or center at the next level, but he had his eye on veteran left tackle Jaelyn Duncan against Penn State’s defensive line. “I think the offensive line play was pretty good. On pass protection, I was watching the left tackle a lot and he’s very technically sound so that was good to watch.” Crounse’s visit on Saturday gave him a chance to see the gameday atmosphere and bask in the close game, while his trip this summer gave him a chance to check out facilities. DeMatha took in a workout inside Jones-Hill House this summer, where Crounse and the team worked out before taking in a tour.
“We had a little combine, practice, and then we got to tour the whole fieldhouse. It’s pretty sick. I’ve only visited Cincinnati and Pitt before that so it was really cool to see some top-notch Power Five facilities.”
To date, the 6-foot-5, 290-pound lineman has taken trips to Cincinnati, Pitt, and Maryland with the Terps being the only gameday visit. Crounse explains what sticks out about the Terps. “Them being my first offer to take a chance on me locally. They do a really good job locally, recruiting in the state of Maryland and bringing it there. They have really good player progression and building guys up to be great locally and I think that’s really important.”
Cincinnati pulled out an eight-point win over Tulsa this weekend to keep their perfect season intact and Crounse is a believer. “I definitely believe they should be in the College Football Playoff, their defense is pretty good and as a program, they’re definitely on the up-and-coming.”
Crounse does not have any set visits or a commitment timeline as he enjoys his junior season.
He is rated a three-star prospect and an 85 overall by 247Sports, sitting as the seventh-best prospect in Maryland.