Though National Signing Day is three months in the rearview mirror, Texas A&M made a late addition to the 2017 recruiting class when they secured a commitment from Independence Community College cornerback Antonio Howard.

The commitment from Howard, a Florida product, is likely in no small part related to Texas A&M’s hiring of Ron Cooper as the secondary coach. Cooper came to A&M following a stint at Florida International, and also has previous experience with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He joined the Aggie Football staff in February following the departure of Terry Joseph, who left for North Carolina earlier this offseason.

Howard chose the Aggies over offers from Arizona State, Louisville and TCU, among others. He is eligible immediately and has three years of eligibility remaining. His commitment adds depth to a cornerback group that was devastated by injury in 2016. He is the 28th and likely final commitment in a large 2017 recruiting class.

Antonio Howard high school highlights