Vols keep their word with Howard

In early July, Orlando (Fla.) Edgewater wide receiver Alton Howard named a final six - Central Florida, Cincinnati, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. At that time, all of the schools but Tennessee had offered. Earlier this month, the Volunteers officially joined the fray by extending a written offer.

"I received the written offer from Tennessee on August 1st," Howard said.

The official offer from Derek Dooley and staff stands out to the electric four-star wide receiver.

"It means a lot," Howard said. "It means that they kept their word from when they told me they were going to offer me. They told me they were interested in me after they came out in the spring to watch me, but now they show they were satisfied with what they saw. It also makes me want to keep in touch with them and build a better connection."

While the offer made quite the impression on the Sunshine State standout, it didn't vault the Vols to the top of his list. That spot remains vacant.

"My top six is still the same," Howard said. "I wouldn't say I have a favorite. I am just trying to establish a strong connection with every school."

Next up for Howard is scheduling his official visits.

"I haven't set up any of my officials yet," Howard said. "I am just going to start making them based on my schedule. I am going to take all of my officials. I don't know if I will take one to UCF because I visit there all the time and it is right around the corner. I am still debating on taking an official visit there."

Howard is scheduled to graduate in December, so a decision is likely to come towards the end of his senior season.

Edgewater travels to Loganville (Ga.) Grayson to open their season in late August.