Connor Howes puts NC State in top 2 with decision timeline in mind
Connor Howes’ recruitment started off slow, but the process is heating up now. The four-star offensive tackle dealt with inconsistent interest from some schools this year, but NC State has remained in constant contact ever since offering earlier this spring.
When the Wolfpack extended a scholarship March 27, Howes and offensive line coach Garett Tujague spoke on the phone for around 30 minutes. It was their first time speaking beyond text messages. They talked about football but also discussed life in general, which stood out to Howes.
The Wolfpack assistant now reaches out to the lineman every morning. NC State’s consistent communication is part of the reason why the program will host the nation’s No. 130 recruit June 14-16 on an official visit.
“It means a lot to me personally,” Howes said. “I’m not going to go to a place where the coach doesn’t really seem interested. There’s a few of my offers who they have offered me, and then it’s kind of like they forgot about me. They kind of never talked to me again.
“I want to go to school where they’re going to care about me and help me and they want the best for me.”
So far, NC State and Arkansas are the two teams showing the strongest and most consistent interest. He plans on spending May 31-June 2 with the Razorbacks and visiting the Wolfpack two weeks later.
At this stage of his decision-making process, those two programs sit alone at the top of his recruitment.
“Honestly, [NC State] can go one and two with Arkansas,” Howes said. “I haven’t closed down on a top 12 or something like that, but I can definitely say NC State, when I do, they’ll be in it until the final three because I really like NC State. I can definitely see myself playing there.”
The 6-6, 300-pound lineman from Florida has a “tremendous” bond with Tujague, which has helped the Pack jump into the top group of his recruitment despite never visiting campus. When the NC State offensive line coach visited his school this spring, they spoke for 90 minutes, talking about everything from on-the-field topics to video games.
“It was a great conversation because it was about more than just football,” Howes said. “And that’s how coach Tujague is as a person.”
Howes said he can tell the entire Wolfpack staff really cares about its players. He spoke with head coach Dave Doeren over the phone recently.
When he travels to Raleigh in June, the nation’s No. 13 tackle wants to learn more about the Wolfpack’s strength program and the university’s academics. Howes also plans on spending time with the current players to get their transparent take on NC State.
“The players won’t lie…They’re going to tell the hardcore, honest truth, whether it’s good or bad,” Howes said.
Maryland is also pushing for an official visit with Howes, but he has already visited the Terrapins multiple times and is not sure if he wants to spend another weekend there instead of another school. He also has trips scheduled to Ole Miss (June 21) and Rutgers (June 7).
Howes plans on making his decision the final week of June after taking his official visits.
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