Top cornerback from Miramar big catch for Al Golden

Coral Gables - Tracy Howard ended months of speculation Wednesday morning when he announced his commitment to coach Al Golden and signed a letter-of-intent with the University of Miami Hurricanes.

Howard was considered the nation's top cornerback prospect after three standout seasons as a starter on a Miramar team that was an annual contender for a state championship, winning one in 2009 and finishing runner-up in 2011.

The five-star recruit will join best friend and Miramar teammate Malcolm Lewis in playing their collegiate home games at Sun Life Stadium, a few blocks from the high school.

Howard chose Miami over Florida and Florida State on ESPNU. As recently as two weeks ago, Miami was not part of Howard's final choices.

Lafayette (La.) Carencro defensive tackle Jacoby Briscoe became the Hurricanes' first official signee of National Signing Day.

After Briscoe, several other recruits who had orally committed to the 'Canes faxed their letter of intent in.

Wide receivers Jontavious Carter, D'Mauri Jones, Herb Waters and Robert Lockhart, quarterback David Thompson, defensive lineman Tyriq McCord from Jefferson High in Tampa, and defensive back Vernon Davis all signed in the first hour that recruits were allowed to do so Wednesday.

Palm Beach Central's Angelo Jean-Louis, rated the nation's eight-best athlete and fourth-best receiver, officially signed, as did St. Thomas Aquinas defensive lineman Jelani Hamilton and Venice running back Danny Dillard.

Miami Columbus defensive back Deon Bush, rated the nation's No. 6 safety, sent in his letter-of-intent, as well. Bush, like McCord, orally committed to UM at the U.S. Army All-American game last month.

They joined a Hurricanes class that already included nine early enrollees, and has been headlined by Miami Norland running back Duke Johnson.

Johnson, who has been committed to the 'Canes since Dec. 2010, officially signed Wednesday morning.

Johnson wore a black vest over a white T-shirt with an orange tie – UM coach Al Golden's trademark -- screen printed on it.

The 'Canes lost out on Jacksonville North Coast linebacker Reggie Northrup, who had at one time been an oral commitment of theirs. Northrup chose to sign with Florida State.

ESPN ranks Miami’s recruiting class 10 ^th in the country  as of noon today.