USC Among the Top 8 Schools for 4-Star Las Vegas DL Kelze Howard
The proverbial Recruiting Ball got rolling for talented 4-Star Defensive Lineman Kelze Howard from Spring Valley HS in Las Vegas (NV) last summer.
He competed at a UNLV Camp in June and the Rebels were the first to offer Howard in late September. That offer was followed by Colorado and USC in November.
“I feel like I’m a part of the team when I go to USC,” Howard said. “And I feel like I’m part of the family when I go there, which is another part of the things that I’m looking for.”
Howard is an extremely athletic prospect who could add valuable versatility to any roster and that’s how USC DL Shaun Nua’s evaluated him.
“He explained how I will fit into the defense at USC, so that was pretty good,” Howard said of Nua. “He will most likely see me at D-end, but as I put on weight, I might switch in and out.”
In late January and February Howard earned more huge offers Washington, Arizona, ASU, San Diego St. Colorado St., Oregon, Miami, Nebraska and Michigan. His current offer total is at 15 and we expect that will increase significantly by the end of Summer.
On Saturday evening Howard released a list of his Top Eight Schools. USC, Oregon, Utah, Nebraska, Miami, Michigan, Arizona and Oregon St. made the cut.
Howard has already visited USC multiple times and developed close relationships with head coach Lincoln Riley, DC Alex Grinch, DL Coach Shaun Nua, QC Analyst Lenny Vandermade and our good friend Gavin Morris.
While he plans to return for another visit, he’s not sure if he’ll take an official visit.
“I may want to use my final official visit to see some place I’ve never been before,” Howard said.
Alabama would be the place he’d visit if it’s not USC or another school. Roll Tide was at Spring Valley HS this Spring and hope to get Howard to visit, but Alabama didn’t make Howard’s list of Eight Schools. If Nick Saban had offered, we’re certain his program would’ve made the cut.
“They’d like to get me down there for an official visit to Alabama and see what it’s like,” said Howard.
Although he’s not sure of his fifth and final official visit, he has four official visit dates scheduled.
Howard will be at Arizona June 2, Oregon June 10, Michigan June 17 and Utah June 23.
Whether or not he takes an official visit to USC, Howard said USC will always have a spot among his Top Five Schools.
“I hear from Lincoln Riley all the time and he hits me up on Facetime with shades on,” Howard said.”He knows I keep the shades on me except when at practice. Lincoln Riley is my best friend, because he’s a pretty cool guy.
“I also have a pretty good vibe with the other USC coaches like Coach (Shaun) Nua, Coach Gavin (Morris) and Coach Lenny (Vandermade). Those are guys who stand out from the program.”
We’ll see Howard again later this Summer after he takes his official visits. He s told WeAreSC he may make a decision on a school before his senior season begins in August
