Kelze Howard commits to Oregon State Beavers, becomes highest-rated HS defensive pledge in program history
Or 2,050 days.
That was the last time the Oregon State Beavers football program secured a 247Sports composite four-star recruit.
But that streak is over.
On Friday, Spring Valley High School (Nevada) defensive lineman Kelze Howard announced his commitment to Oregon State on CBS Sports HQ, choosing the Beavers over fellow finalists Arizona, Nebraska, Oregon, USC and Utah.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pound prospect is rated the nation's No. 146 overall prospect, No. 19 defensive lineman and is the highest-rated high school defensive pledge in program history, eclipsing class of 2013 four-star safety Dashon Hunt (No. 263 overall).
Overall, Howard is the No. 5 highest-rated high school pledge in program history, behind only offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (2012), quarterback Derek Anderson (2001), running back Steven Jackson (2001) and offensive lineman Michael Philipp (2009).
Howard's commitment marks the end of a whirlwind June for the bluechip defensive lineman, who originally announced an official visit schedule that consisted of trips to Arizona, Oregon, Nebraska and Utah.
However, he pivoted and took visits to Arizona and Oregon State before announcing hie was ready to make a decision, marking arguably the best recruiting close of the Jonathan Smith era.
Oregon State's 2023 recruiting class consists of eight pledges and is headlined by Howard and Downey three-star quarterback Aidan Chiles.
Junior season highlights
