Priority Gators target Jamari Howard set for return to Florida

The Gators’ visitors list for the July 29 Grill in the Ville cookout continues to grow, as a major defensive target has informed Gators Online of his plans to attend.

That prospect is Jamari Howard, a four-star cornerback who was previously committed to Michigan State. The Miami Central standout is the 15th-ranked cornerback and 125th-ranked prospect overall in the On3 Industry Ranking.

When Howard returns to Gainesville on the 29th, it will mark his third trip to campus this year. It’s currently the only visit he has scheduled as well.

“Everything is good. They are going to be in my top five,” Howard said of the Gators when speaking with GO on Tuesday. “I’m going to (release that list) soon.”

With that said, what makes Florida such an appealing option for the highly-regarded defensive back?

“I love how they run their program,” Howard said. “(Secondary) coach (Corey) Raymond is a great coach, and I also like how he produces a lot of corners and puts them in the league.”

Last month, Howard officially visited Michigan State and Rutgers. Those are the lone programs that played host in June; however, Florida and Florida State are also considered major contenders. You can’t completely rule out the hometown Hurricanes either, but the Gators and ‘Noles have been viewed as MSU’s top competition for much of this year.

Have either of those programs secured an official visit date for later this year?

“I’m probably going to schedule one later on with Florida,” Howard replied.

What about Mike Norvell and the Seminoles?

“Yeah,” said Howard.

According to On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Seminoles are trending with odds of 25.3 percent. The Spartans check in at No. 2 with a percentage of 22.1, while UF comes in at No. 3 with 14.4 percent.

On3 Scouting Report on Jamari Howard

Long and rangy two-way player who turns whatever side of the field he is on into an island when playing corner. Measures in at 6-foot-1.5, 175 pounds with a freakish 6-foot-8 wingspan. Jumped a 31-inch vertical and ran a solid 7.30 3-cone during the spring camp circuit prior to his junior season. Ran a 22.80 200m as well as a blistering 49.71 400m during his sophomore track and field season.

Uses his length to manhandle receivers off the line of scrimmage. Has the recovery speed to get back in phase with receivers to make a play on the ball. Will naturally fill out his frame as he physically develops.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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