On300 LB Grayson Howard includes Florida in final five; official visit is set
Moments ago, Sunshine State linebacker Grayson Howard released the five schools that are leading the way in his recruitment.
As expected, the University of Florida made the cut. South Carolina, Georgia, Texas A&M and Clemson are also standing out to the Jacksonville (Fla.) Andrew Jackson defender.
As for the Gators, the 6-foot-3, 208-pound Howard has been a major priority since Billy Napier relocated to Gainesville.
The staff has already dropped by Andrew Jackson a handful of times this year. On Friday, inside linebackers coach Jay Bateman attended Howard’s spring game as well.
The linebacker has returned the favor himself, having set foot in the Swamp multiple times in recent months. He made his way to Gainesville last fall as well, so his familiarity with the school is fairly high.
Howard’s most recent trip to campus took place on April 9 and now his official visit is set for June 3.
“They really stress to me that I’m a versatile linebacker who can come in and lead the defense. I would have the opportunity to come in, compete and play early,” Howard previously told Gators Online.
“Being able to play big-time SEC ball being in the backyard is a real blessing. Having all my coaches, friends and family come down and watch me, that would be a huge plus.
“I’m also academically strong, so they love the academic side of me in the classroom. Florida is known for being a top institution like that. They just like everything about me and all the good things my coaches have to say.”
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According to On3’s 2023 rankings, Howard is the No. 7 linebacker and No. 130 player regardless of position. He is also the 29th-ranked junior in the talent-rich Sunshine State.
The Gamecocks are trending for Grayson Howard
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, South Carolina has the best odds at 41.6 percent. The Gators check in at No. 2 with odds of 13.9 percent.
Shane Beamer’s program has hosted Howard three times in 2022 and recently secured an official visit date as well. That return trip to Columbia is set for June 24. Then when you consider the fact that South Carolina played host multiple times in 2021 as well, it’s no surprise the Gamecocks are positioned nicely early on.
“The first person when I checked my phone (on Sept. 1) was definitely South Carolina,” Howard told On3 last fall. “It’s all love. It’s like a family. I talk to Coach (Shane) Beamer on the regular, GAs, everyone.
“I get on meetings after meetings. I’m definitely going to try to get up to a couple of games this season, especially since it’s just four hours away.”
During his junior campaign, Howard accumulated 157 tackles (95 solo), 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, six pass deflections, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
