Video Interview with Westlake Class of 2016 WR and UCLA Bruins Commit Theo Howard

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Westlake High School has had a great one-two punch on offense with running back Chase Jasmin (San Diego State) and Theo Howard over the past two seasons. Jasmin rushed for 979 yards off 149 carries with 11 touchdowns in nine games during his senior season following up a 1,413 yard 13 touchdown season as a junior and Howard had 60 receptions 959 yards receiving nine touchdowns in just 10 games during his senior campaign.

College coaches started noticing Howard during his breakout junior year when he pulled in 52 passes for 869 yards with seven touchdowns. The 6’0”, 175 pound, talent is considered a 4-star recruit and the scholarship offers to top programs across the nation backup the claim. The Los Angeles area receiver is pushing 30 scholarship offers with teams like Miami, Notre Dame, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arizona State, Arizona, Cal, Boise State, Boston College, Washington State, TCU, Utah, USC, and Washington all seeking his services at the next level. Of the nearly 30 offers, the finalist appeared to be Texas A&M, who hosted Howard on an official visit on Oct. 16, and UCLA getting an official visit on Oct. 2.

Howard broke a lot of hearts on Nov. 11 when he verbally committed to the Bruins deciding to stay close to home to play for a national powerhouse Pac-12 program. Who could blame him knowing he will get to team up with one of the more talented young quarterbacks to come through the collegiate ranks in some time in Class of 2015 UCLA signee Josh Rosen? Rosen had a great true freshman season instantly becoming one of the top quarterbacks in the Pac-12 throwing for 3,670 yards with 23 touchdowns against 11 picks completing 292 of 487 pass attempts, third best yardage mark in the conference in 2015.

After Howard wrapped up a 7-4 season with the Warriors, postseason all-star coordinators started seeking the talented wide receiver to play in their game. The winner for the speed burner’s skill set was the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Howard after a practice with the West squad in preparation for Sunday night’s game in Carson, California, to be aired on FOX Sports 1.

Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl Information

Location: Carson, California

Site: StubHub Center

Date: Jan. 3, 2016

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.

Coverage: FOX Sports 1

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Theo Howard.