Report: Mario Cristobal makes special hospital visit to surprise injured camper with offer

On3 imageby:Nikki Chavanelle06/28/22

NikkiChavanelle

The Miami Hurricanes are just a few camps away from wrapping up the busy summer camp season in Coral Gables. Unfortunately, one camper, Koby Howard, suffered an injury that required transportation to the hospital this week. Head coach Mario Cristobal went above and beyond for Howard, first meeting him at the hospital, then offering the class of 2025 wide receiver a scholarship.

“Coach coming to the hospital, I felt real special about it,” Howard told CaneSport. “He didn’t have to come and check up on me. Coach Cristobal came and stayed for a bit, said he was sorry it happened and that I wasn’t getting a scholarship because I was in the hospital or because of what happened, it was because I earned the scholarship.”

The show of compassion, along with the recognition of Howard’s talent, has the young athlete already considering Miami as his top contender.

“Miami’s definitely my No. 1 choice right now, it’s a big lead,” Howard added. “They just showed so much love. And coach (Josh) Gattis, he puts wide receivers in the league so I’m trying to get under his wing.”

Koby Howard receives offer from Miami

Koby Howard is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound, Florida native. He plays for Pensacola Catholic. He’s taken unofficial visits to Florida, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Texas A&M and more already in his early recruitment.

Howard is now up to at least 19 Division-I offers for football, making him one of the most highly sought-after 2025 prospects in the country.

The ambulance took the wideout to Lennar Medical Center, where he received a cast for a broken tibia. The injury will likely put him on the bench to start his football season. The timeline for recovery is roughly three months.

Al Howard, Koby’s father, also spoke to CaneSport about what Cristobal’s gesture meant.

“It meant a lot, man,” Al Howard said. “It meant that they really care about the human being part, not just the athlete, the person himself. I really appreciate coach coming out and speaking with us and letting us know how he really felt about Koby as the person.”