Jalen Cole still has to live up to his substantial hype on the field, but the star defensive back from Southern California is already playing the role of recruiter for Montana State.
Cole, a 3-star rated cornerback from Mater Dei High in Santa Ana, California, was one of the top talents in the Trinity League last season. He signed with Montana State in February and is widely considered one of the top incoming prospects not only in the Big Sky Conference but in all the FCS.
Cole’s clout is already being felt on the recruiting trail back in his home state of California even though Cole has been in Bozeman working out with the team since late June. Earlier this week, Montana State received another commitment from a 3-star cornerback from Southern California when Cathedral High (Los Angeles) cornerback Aaron Howard verbally committed to MSU for the Class of 2018.
“I feel like Montana State is a place I can play early and I’ve been talking a ton with Jalen Cole about the place,” Howard told Skyline Sports on July 11. “He says it’s wonderful. I can’t wait to get up there and see for myself.
“I know Tyrel Thomas (St. John Bosco Prep), who is up there too. I know we all have intentions to play early, be great, chase our NFL dreams if that’s God’s plan and build something special at Montana State.”
Cathedral High (Los Angeles) defensive back Aaron Howard/ photo by Daniel Barcena
Thomas, a 2-star recruit from one of the nation’s top prep programs, committed first to MSU last fall. Former MSU secondary coach Gerald Alexander, a one-time NFL Draft pick who played six seasons in the league, helped recruit Thomas and Cole to Bozeman. Even with Alexander’s departure to take a similar position on Justin Wilcox’s staff at Cal, Thomas and Cole both signed with MSU in February as part of head coach Jeff Choate’s second recruiting class.
New MSU defensive backs coach Mark Orphey first watched Howard play live during spring football at Cathedral a few months ago. Orphey offered Howard after seeing him play one time. Orphey and Choate then continuing swooning Howard with a similar pitch as the one MSU used to land Cole and Thomas: early playing time for a prideful, tradition-rich program trying to return to championship form.
Cole and Thomas both reported to Bozeman for Montana State’s summer workout program last month. Once the highly touted corners learned the Bobcats were recruiting Howard, they reached out to the 5-foot-10, 165-pound prospect.
“I used to see Jalen at camps but I hadn’t really talked to him,” Howard said. “After I started talking to Montana State, he actually hit me up and starting talking about how everything is up there, how fun it is.
“You could say he’s been recruiting. Him and Tyrel. I actually talked to Tyrel first and that was a deciding factor in my commitment. I was like, ‘why did they commit there? It must be cool.’ I was trying to get feed back from them. They have already been up there and they love it.”
Howard has never been to Bozeman or stepped foot on Montana State’s campus. Although he’s spoken to Choate on the phone on numerous occasions, he was uncertain how to pronounce correctly the name of a man he’s never met in person. Yet the 3-star cornerback says he is set in his decision to sign with MSU with National Signing Day more than seven months away.
Howard has impressed during 7-on-7 leagues and at various camps around Southern California. But the undersized, physical press corner holds only the offer from the Bobcats. He has received strong interest from Washington State, Colorado State, BYU, Wyoming, UNLV, San Jose State, Cal Poly, Southern Utah and Montana. But none have come forth with a solid offer. A standout senior season could bring elevated attention. Howard said it won’t change his future plans.
“Right now, I’m not really thinking other schools,” Howard said. “I won’t de-commit from Montana State if I get a big offer. I will wait until I visit both schools at least to see where I really want to go. But for right now, Montana State is the toughest on me and they are my top choice.”
Cathedral High (Los Angeles) defensive back Aaron Howard/ photo by Daniel Barcena
Howard has an official visit scheduled to Bozeman for MSU’s first home game against Missouri Valley power South Dakota State on September 9. He is also trying to plan a trip to Bozeman for MSU’s season finale against the rival Grizzlies in November.
“I don’t know what to expect honestly and I’m a little nervous,” Howard said. “I know (Montana is) not going to be like LA. LA, there’s a lot of things going on at once and I don’t feel like Montana State or Montana in general are going to be like that. That’s going to be a big change for me, honestly.”
Despite his slight frame, Howard’s film and statistics show a physical, fearless player who does not shy away from contact. He had 14 tackles for loss his sophomore year playing against California Division II competition. Howard said MSU is recruiting him with the thought he could play any of the three cornerback positions — boundary corner, field corner, nickel back — in Ty Gregorak’s scheme.
“I feel like I’m a good enough athlete to play them all,” Howard said. “I just love corner. That one on one matchup is the hardest in football.
“I love to hit. That’s why I play defense. It’s more physical and I love being physical.”
Howard finished his sophomore season with 58 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four interceptions and an interception return for a touchdown. Last season, Howard had 43 tackles, three tackles for a loss, 16 passes defended, and one interception. Cathedral is 22-3 over the last two years.
Howard’s commitment comes almost a year from when he will first move to Bozeman full time. Signing Day is still months away. Still, Howard feels solid in his college decision.
“I didn’t have no set commitment date for when I was going to commit but I felt like right now is a good time for me to commit,” Howard said. “It takes a lot of pressure off of me. At first, there was a little bit of pressure. I didn’t want to make the wrong mistake. But I feel Montana State is the right choice.”
Photos contributed by Daniel Barcena via Aaron Howard. All Rights Reserved.
