By james art 
Earlier this month, the Middletown Athlete (Ohi) Jordan Van decided to finish his recruitment by engaging in Virginia Cavaliers as a safety.
The 6-foot, 205-pound perspective is the third commitment in the Cavaliers class, who joined the defender Eli Hamrick and offensive liner Dylan Biel, who engaged in the program just a few days earlier.
Recently, Cavs Corner was able to catch up with Van to discuss recruiting and his decision to engage with cavaliers.
For the three -star perspective, this was an easy solution for one main reason.
“Virginia checked all the boxes,” Van said. “I believe something special happens there and I want to be part of it.”
The van commitment came just days after an unofficial visit to Charlottsville to visit a junior day.
“I got involved the next day after talking to my parents and high school coach,” he said during the process. “I visit colleges from my freshman, so I understand what I want to participate with,” he added.
For Van, this visit and the atmosphere he was experiencing around the program while in the campus left a strong impression.
“Coach Elliott was very personal, telling us his story, some of the spouses and children of the coaches were hanging around and met some players who stopped on Saturday morning,” he told the experience. “I felt family -oriented and that was important to me.”
The academic reputation of the school and the grounds themselves also stood out for Van.
“I understand the strong academic reputation in UVA,” he said. “I wanted to develop in an environment in which I would be challenged academically. I liked how coach Elliott emphasized how important the academics are for him personally, his story is inspiring.”
“The traditions around the grass stood out, great facilities and liked to see the exciting atmosphere that fans/students brought to the basketball game. I will return this spring to get a more deep experience of the campus life,” he told his experience in his experience in his experience The campus during his recent visit.
As for the fit of Van in Hoos Defense, this will be safe. “Coaches like my size and flexibility to play all positions of safety and ability to make plays all over the field,” he told the discussions about his attack and style of play. “I believe I can enter and become a universal safety that can play in the box, play on the alley hard and cover all levels, I like to play special teams,” he added.
Now engaged, Van’s focus will help Dylan Biel and Eli Hamrick help PEER hire additional prospects to join the Hoos 2026 class.