Kelze Howard, a four-star defensive lineman from Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, announced his commitment to Oregon State football during a livestream Friday.
Howard is the No. 3-ranked player in Nevada, No. 33 defensive lineman and No. 227 overall prospect in the class of 2023. Howard recorded 38 total tackles, 9 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks during his junior season in 2021, according to MaxPreps.
On the livestream, Howard said he doesn’t try to emulate any players at the college and professional levels, and instead chooses to focus on his own strengths. He added that he was looking for a program that would help guide him through life after football, and found that with Oregon State.
“I was looking at making sure that the school loves me,” Howard said. “I want them to take me in as family, not just a player on the team.”
Howard is both No. 8 highest-rated overall recruit in program history and Oregon State’s No. 1 rated all-time defensive commitment from high school, per 247Sports. He chose Oregon State over offers from Oregon, Utah, USC, Michigan and others.
With the addition of Howard, the Beavers have secured eight commitments from the class of 2023.