It was the best of times…and then, it was the sign of the times. Verbal commitments are worth celebrating, but they cannot be fully trusted. As I have discussed in other articles, the Bearcats received verbal commitments from Miami, Florida DB Antonio “Speedy” Howard and Colquitt County, Georgia LB Quintin Hampton this summer. However, in the last couple of weeks, both recruits have de-committed.
Miami, Florida DB Antonio Howard de-committed following the recent attention he’s received for his 40 yard dash times. Howard ran a 4.28 at Florida State’s camp most recently. Since the world has discovered what UC recruiters have known for some time, Howard has now picked up offers from West Virginia, Pitt, Penn State, Miami, and Kentucky. Howard has yet to re-commit to another school.
https://twitter.com/QHampton_55/status/490196991281217536
Colquitt County, Georgia LB Quintin Hampton de-committed from UC after attending the University of Central Florida’s camp last week. Hampton subsequently re-committed to play for UCF.
No matter the cause(s), verbal commitments do not mean much in the recruiting game. Until a player is signed, nothing is guaranteed. UC has always had a great eye for finding, recruiting, and retaining talent, and I suspect the 2015 class will fill out nicely despite the recent defections.