Interview with 2018 California CB Aaron Howard, an Overlooked Player Montana State Just Snagged

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

On the national scene, most college football fans do not think of Montana State as a program that typically pulls top talent away from Division-I FBS teams, but on Monday the Bobcats snagged a very talented California corner in Aaron Howard instantly adding an experienced cover corner to their 2018 recruiting class. In a exclusive interview, Howard reveals how the Cats’ staff lured him to Bozeman sight unseen.

Kudos to the Bobcats on Howard. Howard is a two-year starter entering his senior season showing time and time again he is capable of covering some of the top talent not only in California but on the national scene. During his sophomore season, Howard helped Cathedral High School to an 11-2 record tallying 58 tackles, 14 tackles for a loss, and four interceptions taking one back to the house 110 yards for a score. During his junior campaign, he aided the Phantoms to an 11-1 mark filling the stat sheet with 43 tackles, three tackles for a loss, 16 passes defended, and one interception.

Interest has come in from all over the place west of the Mississippi for Howard with San Jose State, BYU, UNLV, Cal Poly, Southern Utah, Wyoming, Cal Poly, Nevada and Montana being among the many taking a closer look. The looks assuredly will continue to come for the 5-10, 165 pound, athlete, but a solid relationship with Montana State’s staff will be tough to beat. Another variable MSU has going for them, the 2017 roster is currently filled with 22 Californians. The roster spots include freshmen from Los Angeles area powerhouse Mater Dei, Jalen Cole (corner) and Jackson McCleery (linebacker), as well Tyrel Thomas, a corner from another top program in St. John Bosco, already on campus.

Interview

Aaron, congratulations on your commitment.

“Thank you.”

I want to lead into your commitment first. How have summer workouts gone for you so far?

“Summer workouts are great. I’ve been grinding. I’ve been working on my footwork, speed, and agility. Everything is getting better.”

What areas of your game are really coming along this off-season?

“Some of the areas of my game that are coming together better – I’m faster with my jams at the line, faster overall, and faster getting in and out of my breaks. I’m a lot faster now than I was last season.”

Have you attended any college camps this summer?

“No, I haven’t. Camps with Washington State and Colorado State at the end of the month are both possible.”

Which schools came by Cathedral to watch you practice this spring?

“Of course Montana State came by, and San Jose State, Arizona State, BYU, Washington State, and Dixie State. A lot of great schools came by, those are the ones I can remember right now.”

How did the relationship between you and Montana State start coming together?

“Their defensive backs coach, Coach O (Mark Orphey) came to see me. They offered me about two months ago. Since then, the coaches really seem like they want me there as a player and as a person. I have talked to all the coaches there. I feel like I am already on campus.”

Have you visited the campus yet?

“No, sir. I’m taking my official on Sept. 9.”

When did you actually commit to Montana State? I know you announced your decision on Tuesday, July 11.

“I committed on the 10th (Monday).”

What influenced you to commit to Montana State?

“I started talking to players there, the coaches started talking about atmosphere there and about their fans. They really started selling me on the school. They answered every question I had without having to ask.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I called their head coach, Coach (Jeff) Choate.”

How did Coach Choate respond to your verbal commitment?

“His reaction was great. He loved it. He said he can’t wait to meet me in person. He was ecstatic about it.”

How did you feel right before you verbally committed?

“I was so nervous. I can’t lie. But, it was a perfect time for me to commit to Montana State.”

Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season?

“I really want to, but I want to speak with the coaches at Montana State about everything first. I want to see different places, but I am with Montana State. I can’t wait to visit Montana State.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you at Montana State?

“Yes. I’ve already been talking to a couple of guys. They have offered a couple of guys from LA. That is big to know that there might be a couple other guys from LA going to Montana State too.”

The Cats staff has pulled a few players from top LA area teams recently, did guys like Jalen Cole or Tyrel Thomas help play a part in your verbal commitment?

“Jalen (Cole) and Tyrel (Thomas) are my boys. They were a big help to me committing to Montana State. They let me know why they did it. They wanted to go there and they really sold me on it.”

Have you done anything to celebrate your commitment yet?

“No, not yet. My mom is talking about taking me out but I told her that’s okay.”

When do you start fall camp for the season with Cathedral?

“On Aug. 8. We are off for three weeks before we start back up.”

Are you getting excited for the season?

“I’m so excited. I can’t wait to put the pads on and hit some people.”

Who do you guys open the season against?

“We start with Santa Fe and then play at Arcadia. We’re ready for Santa Fe. The Arcadia game should be a really good one.”

Aaron, congratulations again on your commitment to Montana State and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you – and go Cats!”

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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Aaron Howard at a 7v7 tournament (2017).

Photo credit: Twitter; No. 18 Aaron Howard with his mom (2016).