Tracy Howard’s signing day decision

By Carlos Pineda
SouthernPigskin.com

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It was apparent a few weeks ago that Miami had no real shot at landing All-American cornerback Tracy Howard.

Standing at 5-foot-11 175 pounds, the senior out of Miramar High School looked poised for Florida, Florida State, Alabama or LSU.

But the tide may have turned for UM head coach Al Golden and the Hurricanes. With a strong last minute push for the coveted corner, Howard will be using his final official recruiting visit this weekend in Coral Gables along with teammate Malcolm Lewis, who committed to the Hurricanes back in November. Various media outlets reported that Golden and some assistants had visited the duo in school on Tuesday. Lewis also had a home visit from the coaches later that night.

Choosing to stay in-state, Howard has narrowed down his list to three: Miami, Florida and Florida State. By the looks of things, his decision will likely come down to either the Hurricanes or Gators. Both teams are in need of secondary help and would offer playing time right away.

Howard, who is listed as the No. 1 cornerback on ESPNU’s Top Cornerbacks’ list told WQAM’s Joe Rose that Golden is “very passionate.”

"He really wants to win a championship and he wants to do it with guys from South Florida, and I believe him," Howard said Wednesday.

Close friends and UM commits Miami Norland running back Randy ‘Duke’ Johnson, Miami Columbus safety Deon Bush and Lewis may be able to persuade to Howard join them.

Howard will announce his intention next Wednesday morning on ESPNU.