Howard down to three

Three-star defensive tackle / offensive guard Carl Howard from Matawan (N.J.) was excited about his official visit to Michigan State until it got close to time to go and he realized he had made a mistake. He had scheduled the trip on a weekend he thought his team had a bye, when in fact they were scheduled to play. He was forced to skip the trip, but hopes to reschedule it soon.

“We had a football game Saturday,” he explained. “I had misjudged the bye week.”

With his missed trip, Howard now has visits scheduled for Virginia Tech on Dec. 12 and Rutgers the following weekend (Dec. 19). He also hopes to travel to NC State and Nebraska, in addition to Michigan State, but has not set dates yet.

After looking at the schools he wants to visit, and the ones he has already seen, three schools have risen to the top of his list of favorites.

“I am basically open, but I mostly like NC State, Maryland, and Nebraska,” he commented. He claims offers from all three and said he is looking at three things while evaluating schools.

“Basically the relationship with coaches and the depth chart is always a big thing,” he said. “I am also looking at the education, and how they take care of you with tutors and everything.” He hopes to make a decision in mid January.

Rated the No. 26 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com, Howard has had a good season and hopes to continue his good play at the next level. As a senior, the 6-foot-4, 295 pound prospect, with a 4.9-second 40-yard dash time, has 55 tackles (eight for loss), four sacks, and five batted balls.

Carl projects as an academic qualifier with a 2.7 GPA. He recently took the SAT and plans to major in business.