UCLA offer big for Howard
Theo Howard had an excellent performance at the UCLA Elite Camp this summer and ever since then the Bruins have gotten much more involved in his recruitment.
It ramped up in a big way Tuesday when UCLA offered the 2016 three-star wide receiver who transferred to Westlake Village (Calif.) Westlake from Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian for his junior season.
Advertisement
"We were talking for the last couple weeks and I talked with coach (Angus) McClure and he wanted me to come down Sunday," Howard said. "I was supposed to call him when I was done with school so after class I called him and he and coach (Eric) Yarber said they wanted to offer me.
"It's very big. I've always been high on UCLA. I've always loved the coaching staff - coach Yarber, coach McClure, coach (Jim) Mora."
So far, the 5-foot-11, 168-pound receiver has landed offers from UCLA, San Diego State and Washington State. Arizona State, Tennessee and others have also reached out.
The offer from the Bruins is definitely a major one for Howard, who has a lot of former teammates playing for that team and said he doesn't think about committing this early but that UCLA could be tough to beat.
"It's just cool to have a whole bunch of alumni from Oaks Christian there like Jordan Payton, Ishmael Adams and Cameron Judge," Howard said.
"They're looking great this year and I definitely like them a lot. If I felt the need to commit I would but right now I'm just keeping my options open and waiting."
Howard's summer camp performance seems to play a big role in UCLA's interest early on. He's excited about moving forward with the Bruins offer and seeing what else comes.
"Before I hadn't really talked to UCLA that much but getting to meet all the coaches down at camp and then I thought I did well at the camp so that probably helped them pull the trigger a little earlier than if I didn't go to the camp," Howard said.