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Texas' latest elite recruit displays crucial commonality with recent Longhorns first-round draft pick

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated May 12, 2025 1:42 PM ET

The Texas Longhorns went into Louisiana to land four-star Hayward Howard late last week. The 6-foot-2, 175-pounder decided Steve Sarkisian's track record of developing elite defenders and high-end NFL draft prospects was enough to get him out of the Bayou.

The New Orleans star made his commitment to Texas shortly after visiting Sarkisian in Austin recently. He's a top-11 prospect in Louisiana and is only the 33rd-ranked cornerback recruit, but his physical traits and high level of experience bode well for what's next.

But what he said about Texas was especially interesting.

BREAKING 4-star CB Hayward Howard has committed to Texas

Read: https://t.co/q2xozGIOqH pic.twitter.com/AVFEMbm1R5
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) May 9, 2025

Howard revealed some interesting tidbits as to how Texas sold its program to him and lured him out of his home state.

“When I got offered, I was offered by coach Terry Joseph. He left and went to the Saints, but the next day they came back with (Mark Orphey) and he chopped it up with me. He kept his relationship consistent with me. I couldn’t even go a day without talking to Texas. They always said I was a great player. They liked me for my skill set and they wanted me to be a great asset to their program. I said I wouldn’t waste any time and I just was ready.”

And when it came to describing his game, he sure sounded like he could fill the huge shoes that 2025 first-round NFL Draft pick Jahdae Barron left.

“When I go to Austin, fans are going to expect a dog out of my. A consistent dog. Everyday, I’m going to bring my 100 percent. Consistent. That’s it.”

Being a hard-working, tough-nosed player with elite physical traits is going to be most of the battle for any talented athlete. Texas has bred great defensive backs in particular, so Howard seems to be on the right track to be a major contributor early in his career.