Beth Long’s football recruiting notebook

Solorio quarterback and all-around athlete Quincy Patterson made an oral commitment to Virginia Tech this week.

“After deep thought, visiting a multitude of football programs, discussions with my parents and weighing out my options,” Patterson said in a statement. ” I am proud to announce that I will be furthering my engineering and football aspirations at Virginia Tech University.”

“I want to thank everyone who has been there for me throughout this recruitment journey and helped fulfill a dream of getting to play at the next level.”

Patterson is 6-4, 230-pounds. He’s an impressive signal caller and defensive back. His length and athleticism are make him a standout. He was a Sun-Times All-Area selection in 2016.

Devin O’Rourke sought after

Lincoln-Way East defensive lineman Devin O’Rourke is one of the top Class of 2018 prospects in the area.

He’s 6-6, 230-pounds and has accumulated a host of offers. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska, Northwestern and others have extended offers to O’Rourke.

“Recruiting is going well,” O’Rourke said. “It’s hard picking through the schools. I’m going to start taking a few more visits soon. So it will be nice to see a few more schools.”

O’Rourke plans visits to Northwestern, Minnesota and Penn State. He recently visited Illinois.

“Mike Phair is one of the best defensive line coaches in the country, he is about to send two guys to the NFL and he sent one last year,” O’Rourke said. “In just two years. That’s really great.”

With plenty of visits upcoming, O’Rourke has lots to look forward too.

“You hear so much about the schools, it will be good to see them in person,” O’Rourke said.

The long, strong defensive end is hoping to commit before his senior season begins.

“I’d like to narrow down the schools and then eventually make a decision,” O’Rourke said. “It would be good to just get it over with to focus on the season.”

O’Rourke isn’t losing sight of improving after a season where the Griffins reached the Class 8A state quarterfinals, where they lost Maine South, the eventual state champions.

“I am working on my technique and getting stronger for my senior season,” O’Rourke said. “I’m working on getting to the ball every play and my pursuit.

O’Rourke is not forgetting about the schools closest to home. Northwestern and Illinois are definitely contenders.

“It is really great to be able to play Big Ten football so close,” O’Rourke said. “My parents could come to see me anytime they want. They are pretty much equal time from my house. I could also come home a bit which would be nice.”