The Illinois football program continues to push for explosive skill-position athletes, offering Jaxon Howard from the 2023 class.
Howard becomes one of the first major Illini priorities from the 2023 class, as he hails from New Hope, Minnesota, and stars at the tight end position. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound tight end is already turning some heads, as he was offered by Illinois on January 28.
The No. 1 tight end in the state of Minnesota, and a four-star recruit, has gotten looks from 13 Big Ten institutions, including the Illini. Some other schools are also in-play, including Georgia and Florida out of the SEC.
Like most Midwest schools outside of Illinois, Howard’s Robbinsdale Cooper Hawks’ squad was able to complete the 2020 football season in the fall, as the team finished 4-3. Despite the on-field struggles, Howard showed flashes of his true potential and what he could bring to whichever collegiate program lands him.
When he was a freshman in high school, the offers started rolling in for Howard. He has now racked up over 29 offers since his recruiting spree took off midway through 2019, making him one of the hottest prospects from across the nation.
"“It’s pushing me to be an even better player and also the young man I am today,” Howard said when asked about being the nation’s top-rated tight end in an interview with KTSP, a local ABC affiliate from Minnesota."
Jaxon Howard’s dad, Willie Howard, played for the Minnesota Vikings during his professional career, creating even bigger stakes for future success at the next level.
What would Jaxon Howard bring to Champaign?
With Howard already sporting a plethora of offers to his name, he currently does not have a Crystal Ball projection. That will likely change soon as the number of schools continues to increase.
As for the Illini, landing Howard could end up being a home-run. He brings size, speed, and strength to the position, while also showcasing that he can be a deep threat when needed. The Illini need to fine-tune the offense under Bret Bielema’s regime, and Howard could be one of many answers to make that happen.
Only time will tell where Howard will end up, as he looks to only improve his electrifying game in the years to come.