Tracy Howard commits to Miami on 2012 National Signing Day

Highly touted Miramar (Fla.) cornerback Tracy Howard has committed to Miami.

Howard, widely considered the best cover corner in the nation, chose the Hurricanes over Florida and Florida State. He also considered Alabama and LSU before narrowing his top three to the Big 3 in the Sunshine State. There was much speculation leading up to his nationally televised announcement that he would sign with Florida.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound U.S. Air Force All-American was the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Class 8A-7A-6A Defensive Player of the Year for Broward County. He was a key defensive leader for the Class 8A state runner-up Patriots and had 10 interceptions his senior season.

Howard has excellent instincts and quickness and is outstanding in his ability to change direction and close quickly on a pass. Some observers believe he's the top prospect in the state. He began receiving recruiting letters during his sophomore year and was actively recruited by numerous D-I programs, but in the end he decided to stay in-state and closer to home.

Miami made a hard late push for Howard, who made the Hurricanes his final official visit last weekend.