Former Valor Christian standout commits to Colorado State

FORT COLLINS, Colo. — Steve Addazio has long been revered for his ability to recruit and develop talent. As an assistant under Urban Meyer at Florida, Addazio was named National Recruiter of the Year by ESPN (2010). During his stints as the at Temple and Boston College, Addazio consistently was able to find diamonds in the rough as well.

Now at Colorado State, Addazio is continuing to build on what is already a pretty impressive recruiting resume. In his first full recruiting cycle as the head coach of the Rams, Addazio is racking up commitments by the day.

After landing a verbal from Damir Abdullah over the weekend, CSU secured its 21st verbal commitment for 2021 on Monday, Jack Howell, of Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona.

If the name sounds familiar it’s because Howell used to be a standout at the local perennial powerhouse, Valor Christian High School (Highlands Ranch, CO) but he moved out west this spring. Prior to playing his senior season in Arizona, it seems Howell has already determined that a return to Colorado is the best move for his college career.

@CoachAddazio pic.twitter.com/cQMt2Vcp7C

— Jack Howell (@Jackhowell1205) June 15, 2020

In 12 games with Valor Christian in 2019, Howell saw action at both free safety and quarterback. On the defensive side Howell recorded 65 total tackles (31 solo) and led the team with three interceptions. On offense Howell completed 14-of-25 pass attempts and rushed 61 times for 582 yards and 11 touchdowns.

According to 247Sports, Howell holds offers from CSU, New Mexico, New Mexico State and Northern Arizona. Wisconsin is also reportedly showing interest in the versatile athlete.

Howell’s father, John, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and eventually played in two Super Bowls after starring at safety at CSU from 1996-2000. Ram fans will hope that Jack proves to be the same type of game-changing talent that his dad was during Sonny Lubick’s glory years.

Regardless of whether Jack goes on to be a superstar like his old man or not, though, the Ram Faithful definitely love to see Addazio prioritizing players with roots to the program.

2021 commits

QB | Luke McAllister | 6-foot-4, 187 pounds | Monument, CO.

QB | Chance Harris | 6-foot-0, 198 pounds | Clovis, NM.

QB | Evan Olaes | 5-foot-11, 195 pounds | North Las Vegas, NV.

RB | Alex Berrouet | 6-foot-1, 200 pounds | Acton, MA.

RB | Patrick Smith | 5-foot-11, 185 pounds | Absecon, NJ.

WR | Gerick Robinson | 5-foot-11, 160 pounds | Las Vegas, NV.

WR | Langston Williams | 5-foot-10, 155 pounds | Centennial, CO.

TE | Drake Martinez | 6-foot-3, 205 pounds | Houston, TX.

TE | Tanner Arkin | 6-foot-3, 215 pounds | Fort Collins, CO.

OL | Justin Michael | 6-foot-5, 260 pounds | Fort Collins, CO.

OL | George Miki-Han | 6-foot-1, 300 pounds | Santa Ana, Calif.

OL | Kyjuan Phillips | 6-foot-4, 293 pounds | Dr. Phillips, Fla.

DL | Grady Kelly | 6-foot-3, 257 pounds | Navarre, Fla.

DL | Mukendi Wa-Kalonji | 6-foot-5, 210 pounds | Aurora, CO.

DL | Tyler Quinn | 6-foot-1.5, 266 pounds | Duncanville, TX.

LB | Elijah Muhammad | 6-foot-2, 230 pounds | Middle Village, NY.

DB | Lathan Adams | 5-foot-9, 160 pounds | DeSoto, TX.

DB | Andrew Garwo | 5-foot-11, 170 pounds | Fairless Hills, PA.

P | Jackson Ray | 5-foot-11, 150 pounds | Gilbert, AZ.

ATH | Damir Abdullah | 6-foot-5, 190 pounds| Covina, Calif.

ATH | Jack Howell | 6-foot-0, 190 pounds | Chandler, AZ.