2016 WR Howard talks Virginia verbal commitment

Gateway High School (PA) wide receiver Aidan Howard put an end to his recruitment yesterday by giving a verbal commitment to Virginia. Howard tweeted about his offer yesterday afternoon via twitter:

Blessed to say I received my 3rd Offer from The University of Virginia #GoCavaliers pic.twitter.com/wW7vEWlmD6- Aidan Howard (@RingChasin_15) June 7, 2015

Howard, a 2016 3-star player, wasted no time in announcing his verbal commitment to Virginia shortly after announcing that he had received the offer. The 6'4", 184-pounder, had two other FCS offers from UMass and Robert Morris.

Howard had intended on going to Virginia's prospect camp this upcoming weekend, but it looks like there is now a change of plans. "The coach (Mike Archer) told me that I did not have to come," explained Howard.

Howard talked about what the Virginia coaching staff liked about him as a player. "They like my size and length, along with my speed (laser timed 4.52) and athletic ability," said Howard. "They said I could possibly play wide receiver, free safety, or wildcat quarterback. They like the fact that I play basketball and wanted to know who was recruiting me in basketball. Robert Morris and Middle-Tennessee State are both recruiting me for basketball."

Howard plans to take an un-official visit to Virginia in July, but for now, he is happy that he will no longer have to travel to prospect camps.

"I've been going to a lot of camps since my freshman year," said Howard. "When you add all of that with the junior day visits, it has become an exhaustive process. My dad and I have made a lot of road trips together and we are very excited to get such a great offer at this point."

Howard added that his mother told him that may have played a part in him deciding to end his recruiting process. "My mother saw a special on television about Coach (Mike) London that featured him and his relationship with his family. She saw the relationship he had with his daughter and told me if I ever had a chance to play with a coach like him, then I should take advantage of a great opportunity like that."

Howard also mentioned several of the things that helped him make his decision. "Virginia offers unbelievable educational opportunities along with being in a power conference like the ACC," Howard said. "The offer was too great to sit on. Now I can work out even harder and get ready for my senior season."

Check out Howard's 2014 season highlights.

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