Texas lands a dedication from four-star CB Hayward Howard Jr.

[ad_1] Texas got here on robust with 2026 cornerback Hayward Howard Jr. -- and made a final impression.

The four-star cornerback gave a dedication to Steve Sarkisian and the Longhorns on Friday because the spring winds down.

Texas edged out LSU, Florida State, and Miami for Rivals' No. 33-rated CB out of The Boot -- and has been trending up with Howard since his first go to out to the Forty Acres in April.

"The Texas teaching employees made an enormous impression on me this spring. They didn’t waste time — they confirmed perception in my skills and made it clear that I match into their imaginative and prescient," Howard informed Rivals. "That stage of confidence, assist, and connection made me really feel prepared to tug the set off. I’m not simply selecting a college, I’m selecting a tradition and a program that sees my worth."

First-year Longhorns cornerbacks coach Mark Orphy wasted no time extending a suggestion to the 6-foot-2, 180-pound CB from New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr shortly after taking the job at Texas.

Howard was on campus in April for Longhorn Metropolis Limits getting a better take a look at the Longhorns -- as perennial championship contenders with a successful tradition that he is accustomed to.

"All the things is greater in Texas — and that features expectations, power, and alternative," he detailed. "What stood out to me most is how their practices remind me of residence. The depth, the construction, the tempo — it felt lots like Edna Karr, and that made me really feel like I already belonged."

"My go to to Austin opened my eyes to how a lot Texas invests of their gamers — from the top-tier services to the relationships the coaches construct with every athlete," Howard continued. "Speaking to Coach Sarkisian was actual. He spoke about development, not simply as a participant, however as a person. That hit residence.I additionally liked seeing so many Louisiana natives on the employees and crew — it jogged my memory that my roots nonetheless matter."

Texas has ample gamers, coaches, and employees members with ties to Louisiana.

Longhorns GM Brandon Harris is from The Boot. So is Texas' beginning QB Arch Manning and security Derek Williams.

Equally, Howard discovered his slot in Austin.

"I’m selecting Texas as a result of they’re about growth, household, and doing it huge," he stated. "I’m able to be a Longhorn as a result of they see my potential, and I see a future in Burnt Orange."