Tracy Howard said last week he wasn’t going to put any pressure on himself.

He said was going to approach his college decision with the same mentality he has when he lines up against opposing receivers – loose and confident.

The 5-11, 180-pound All-American cornerback may not have really felt that way on the inside Wednesday morning, but he certainly looked the part.

Dressed in a dark gray suit and sporting a purple tie, Howard kept an auditorium full of reporters, teammates, family and friends on edge – as well as a nation full of Florida Gators and Miami Hurricane fans – before announcing his college choice in front of a national TV audience on ESPNU shortly before 10 a.m.

“I will be spending the next three to four years furthering my education and my athletic ability at the University of Miami,” said Howard, who was flanked by his mother Shaiy and about 15 family members.

“I chose the University of Miami because I look at the overall picture of it from an academic standpoint to an opportunity standpoint. Playing early, that’s a big part of it.

“Why not win in my home town, my city? Why not do it there?”

The announcement was followed by cheers from Miramar to Coral Gables and ended what had been an interesting recruiting ride for Howard. Two weeks ago, the hometown Hurricanes – the first college program to offer him a scholarship when he was a sophomore – weren’t even seriously being considered by Howard.

After being courted by just about every major college, Howard went into his senior year with LSU, Alabama, Florida State and Florida as his top choices. By the end of his season, it appeared to be a two-horse race: Florida State or Florida. But the Hurricanes, who hauled in Miramar receiver Malcolm Lewis as well as Howard’s close friends Duke Johnson (Miami Norland running back) and Deon Bush (Miami Columbus safety), made a hard push late for Howard. Johnson even offered giving up the No. 3 jersey number UM was saving for him if Howard (who also wore No. 3) decided to pick the Canes.

Eventually, UM coach Al Golden convinced Howard to take an official visit to Coral Gables last weekend. Howard came away impressed. With both teams badly needing help at cornerback, Howard’s decision ultimately came down to deciding between playing close to home with his high school friends, or heading up I-75 to Gainesville, where he built a good relationship with Gators defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson.

Howard said he finally made up his mind to pick the Canes on Wednesday morning – less than a week after Miramar coach Damon Cogdell said Howard was sure he was headed to Gainesville.

“I prayed about it, asked God give me a sign,” Howard said. “I said, ‘I’m locked on Miami. If this is the wrong choice, just give me a sign.’ I got no sign telling me it was wrong. My family was happy about the decision. I was happy about it.”

Said Shaiy Howard: “For me it was a little nerve-wracking because he was a little confused. But he was cool. I think for a long time Tracy thought he was going to go away to school. But the opportunity at Miami was too much to pass up.”

By choosing the Hurricanes, Howard becomes the eighth defensive back UM is expected to have in this year’s class. With senior Brandon McGee and sophomore Thomas Finnie as the only returning veterans with experience at corner, it’s hard to imagine Howard won’t get on the field right away and contribute along with Bush. As a senior at Miramar, Howard had 55 tackles, 10 interceptions and a punt return for a touchdown.

“Dad was the happiest man in the world. He’s a Miami fan,” Howard said. “Of course he wanted me to stay close to home, but it wasn’t even about that. My mom was cool with it. My mom was actually a Florida fan and I knew when my mom was happy, I was going to be happy. I’m happy with Miami. I want to be a great player there and I’m going to be a great player there.”

All in all, it was a very busy morning at Miramar. The Patriots, who were undefeated and ranked in the top 10 in the country before they lost to Tampa Plant in the Class 8A state championship game in December, had 16 seniors sign National Letters of Intent on Wednesday morning.

Cogdell said he expected close to 13 more to land scholarships (some academic) before April 1, the final day for recruits to sign.

Aside from Howard and Lewis, Miramar is sending receiver Devonte Mathis and running back D’Vontis Arnold to West Virginia, Cogdell’s alma mater and where the Patriots already have star quarterback Geno Smith and former receivers Stedman Bailey and Ivan McCartney.

Arnold, who ran for 975 yards and 12 touchdowns while splitting carries this past season, passed on a scholarship to Bethune-Cookman to get preferred walk-on status with the Orange Bowl and Big East co-champions. Also headed to Football Bowl Subdivision programs: All-Broward First Team defensive end Trevon Coley and safety Anthony Hamilton, who are both headed to FAU.

Two-year starting quarterback Camren Hudge, an All-Broward First-Team selection, is headed to Delaware. The other signees: outside linebacker All-Broward First Team offensive tackle Kevin Gonzalez (Howard), All-Broward First Team defensive tackle Willie Paisley (Southern), Bryan Williams (Georgia Southern), receiver Reginald Lennon and offensive lineman Daniel Lennon (Florida A&M), defensive tackle D’Quan Williams (Savannah State), offensive tackle Clevonne Davis (North Carolina Central), and defensive end Mike Fleurinvil and defensive back Kiwan Cottle (Northwood in West Palm Beach).

“This is what you do the job for – to get kids in school,” Cogdell said. “I can go 0-10, but get 25 kids in college I’ll be happy. Our state title team [in 2009] had 10 kids sign on National Signing Day, but we had 22 sign in total.”

All-Broward First Team safety Marrell Jackson remains the top available Patriots player available. Jackson, who led the state with 12 interceptions, took a trip to UCLA this past weekend and will visit Hawaii this coming weekend. Kentucky is also in the running. Jackson has a 3.1 GPA, but needs to bring up his test score. He has also received interest from Alabama State, Cogdell said.

“I knew Marrell through family, knew he was a heck of an athlete and he ended up coming out here and doing great for me,” Cogdell said. “He’s been patient with colleges. Went out to UCLA, visited Alabama State. Even if UCLA doesn’t do anything, I’ve still got West Virginia waiting in the wings.”