One of the top quarterback prospects in the WPIAL for next season has made his college decision, while the most highly-touted junior in the WPIAL seems headed to Ohio State.

C.J. Brown, a junior quarterback at Seneca Valley, made a verbal commitment to Maryland last week. Brown, 6 feet 3, 190 pounds, threw for 1,567 yards last season.

Meanwhile, Gateway linebacker Dorian Bell, ranked among the top 20 players in the country, visited Ohio State this weekend and Gateway coach Terry Smith said Bell is "close" to committing to the Buckeyes.

"He loves the place, but he did not commit yet," Smith said. "His dad and uncle were with him on the visit. He just wants to talk with his mom about it."

There is a chance Bell might commit as early as today, when an Ohio State assistant coach is supposed to visit Gateway. Bell has scholarship offers from more than 30 schools.

Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, Michigan and Florida State are among the schools that have offered Bell, a member of the Post-Gazette Fabulous 22 last year.

"I'd say it's 50-50 that he might commit now [to Ohio State]," Smith said.

If Bell chooses Ohio State, it would mean the Buckeyes have landed the top highest-ranked player in the WPIAL two consecutive years. Jeannette senior quarterback Terrelle Pryor signed with Ohio State last month.

As for Brown, he was offered a scholarship by Maryland last month. He made two visits to Maryland and decided to commit.

"He went down there to watch a practice and he sat in on their meetings with the players," Seneca Valley coach Ron Butschle said. "He really got a flavor of what being a player there is all about.

"I never give kids an opinion on what they should pick. I just say that you'll know when you're in the right place -- with athletics, academics, socially and with the coaching staff. Evidently, he just felt really comfortable with Maryland."

Akron also had offered a scholarship, but Butschle expected many more Division I schools to offer in the next month or so.