MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia’s 2015 commitment list picked up speed Friday night.
Serious speed.
Miami (Fla.) Norland cornerback Antonio Howard, the son of former Mountaineers receiver Antonio Brown, reportedly posted a 4.32-second 40 time this summer and became more coveted by major programs. He ultimately chose West Virginia over Georgia, Pitt and South Florida, but holds offers from 21 schools, including Penn State, Syracuse, Kentucky and Miami.
Though the three-star prospect gets dinged for being only 5-foot-10, Rivals writer Keenan Cummings—who reported the commitment for WVSports.com—said Howard plays physical beyond his 163 pounds and boasts a vertical jump.
Then there are those jets.
“You need one word to describe Howard—speed,” said Cummings. “He has consistently run under 4.4 at various camps and will be a natural fit at cornerback.”
The commitment of Howard—who owns a couple football-related nicknames, “Speedy” and “Tony Island”—comes with a dose of caution, however: He previously decommitted from Florida International and later Cincinnati. This time, Howard told Cummings his recruitment was a “done deal.”
Howard also told WVSports.com that his father obviously was enthused about keeping the family legacy alive in Morgantown.
“West Virginia was my favorite school since I was little,” he said. “I talked to my parents and let them know that I had decided and my dad was pumped up.”
Howard’s commitment made 17 for WVU’s upcoming class, which currently ranks 22nd nationally. He’s the eighth Floridian, the third cornerback and the seventh projected defensive player.