Nations No. 1 CB recaps recent trips

Miramar (Fla.) defensive back Tracy Howard hit the road during July to check out a couple schools. While he didn't compete at any stops, it was an opportunity to learn more about a pair of in-state schools and further develop his understanding of what they have to offer.

"I visited Florida State for a camp, then went to Florida with my team and we got a tour, and then this week I got back up to Florida State with my mother," Howard said.

The Rivals100 prospect spoke about his two trips to Tallahassee over the past week.

"I got to see the campus and get to know the coaches, players, and campus a little better," Howard said. "I spent the most time with Coach (Mark) Stoops. We just talked about playing at Florida State. We talked about me playing early if I came in and took advantage of my opportunities. He said I have a great chance to play early. We talked about inside corner and outside corner, because I am capable of playing both positions. We just talked about a lot of things."

In addition to meeting with Coach Stoops, the top cornerback in the nation also spoke with Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher.

"We talked about the campus and playing for FSU," Howard said. "We talked about the depth chart a little bit and incoming guys."

Accompanying the 6-foot, 170-pound defensive back on his second visit to Florida State was his mother. According to Howard, his mother's main focus when she steps on any campus is to learn about the academics offered by a school and the support system surrounding the student-athletes.

"She really wanted to know about the academics mostly," Howard said. "Everything else will carry itself out."

Ultimately, his two visits to see the Seminoles simply helped Florida State get them on solid footing with the four-star prospect.

"I am more comfortable with Florida State because I know more about it and my mom got to see it," Howard said.

As for his stop in Gainesville, it was simply his most recent trip to the University of Florida. The Gators are a program that Howard is very familiar with and has seen on prior occasions.

"Florida was last week but I didn't go with my mom, I went with my team," Howard said. "It was very brief. We didn't stay for Friday Night Lights. I just talked with the coaches while we were there. I talked to Coach (Travaris) Robinson and Coach (Will) Muschamp. I had a good conversation with them."

Now, with two-a-days set to begin and his senior season just around the corner the top-tier Sunshine State product intends to slow things down with regards to his recruitment.

"I am going to take a step back to focus on my team," Howard said.

As of official visits, Howard intends to take all five and knows that Alabama and LSU are two definite destinations, but he isn't sure when he will be taking trips - whether in-season or after the season.

"I am not sure," Howard said. "Me and my coach have talked about it but I am not really sure."

As Howard has stated in recent weeks, he doesn't have a leader at this point in the process.

"I am still open a little bit," Howard said. "I haven't narrowed it down. I don't have any favorites at this point."