National Signing Day: Tracy Howard to Miami, Bold Predictions for the 5-Star CB

The Miami Hurricanes made a major statement by landing 5-star cornerback Tracy Howard over Florida State and Florida.

Al Golden wants to return Miami to prominence, and this is a huge step in the right direction.

Howard was expected to take his talents to the state of Florida, but he was not expected to land in a Hurricanes uniform.

The unexpected commitment only sweetens the deal for Miami as they land one of the preeminent cover corners in the 2012 recruiting class.

Miami's passing defense gave up just under 200 yards per game last season. Howard will make Miami's secondary better from day one, and that number will drop next season.

Here are four bold predictions concerning Miami's proud commitment.

He Will Not Take a Redshirt

Miami did not recruit Tracy Howard so he could help them a year or two from now. They want Howard's help, and they want it in 2012.

Do not expect Howard to take a redshirt next season.

Al Golden could redshirt Howard. He needs work on his tackling ability, and is not big enough to jam bigger receivers off the line.

However, what he lacks in toughness he gains in finesse. Howard plays hard enough to make up for his strength, and can turn and run with anyone in the ACC.

Golden will allow Howard to get stronger through playing time as opposed to delaying his college career for a season.

He will not be disappointed.

He Will Emerge as Miami's Best Cornerback

The Miami Hurricanes are not stacked with cornerback talent.

Michael Williams has graduated, and Howard is already as talented as No. 2 cornerback Brandon McGee.

Thomas Finnie and Kacy Rodgers are both skilled, but Howard holds the edge in terms of pure coverage ability.

McGee holds the advantage over Howard because of his experience. However, it will not take long for Howard to be considered Miami's best cover corner.

The ACC is not necessarily a hotbed of receiving talent. Howard will have plenty of time to adjust, and will only get better as he matures each week.

He Will Make the Freshman All-American Team

Fellow 5-star cornerback prospects Tee Sheppard, Ronald Darby and Brian Poole are all extremely talented. However, Tracy Howard will become the best freshman cover man in the nation this season.

Howard will earn Freshman All-American honors because of his high volume of playing time, and the plays he will make on the field.

Poole may not see as much time in a talented Gator secondary, and Darby is still uncommitted for next season.

Sheppard will see plenty of time for the Fighting Irish, but he could be exploited without high-caliber talent around him.

Howard is the real deal. He has the potential to be among the nation's leaders in interceptions, and earn postseason honors in his first collegiate season.

NFL Scouts Will Drool After One Season

Some players do not find their way into the hearts of NFL scouts until later in their collegiate careers.

Tracy Howard will not be one of those players. He will turn heads from Week 1 on, and NFL scouts will eagerly await his NFL Draft entrance.

Howard possesses fluid hips, and the the speed to stick with anyone right now. He understands receivers routes, and has the talent to work on an island at the next level.

He will be the complete package if he can improve his tackling ability and overall strength.

NFL scouts will not get their shot at Howard for another two years, but he will be worth the wait.