When the bulbs high above Ben Hill Griffin Stadium flicker on at Florida's Friday Night Lights camp on July 22, they'll be shining on two high school teammates who are already basking in some national recognition.
One of the state's powerhouse football programs heading into 2011, Miramar High School is led defensively by physical cornerback Tracy Howard and offensively by speedy receiver Malcolm Lewis. Through their stellar on-field play at Miramar, various combines and 7-on-7 events, the duo has become the focus of the persistent storm that is college football recruiting.
"It's getting kind of crazy right now," Howard said. "I try to stay humble about it — stay focused with the help of my coaches and my family."
But what might be most intriguing about Howard and Lewis is the possibility they will be a package deal.
"Since ninth grade, we've always been getting each other better," Howard said. "It's a blessing to have him on my team. We're best friends, so we might go to the same college."
When asked if Howard's decision will have an impact on which school he chooses, Lewis was short and simple.
"Yes," he said. "Of course."
For the Gators, this would be particularly enticing. Explosive playmakers are always a top priority in Gainesville, and Howard fits UF head coach Will Muschamp's mold at corner, a position that is currently a bit of a question mark for Florida.
Howard would also be a Muschamp-approved recruit — something six of the cornerbacks who will be in August camp can't say.
Rated the No. 1 cornerback in the nation and the No. 25 overall prospect by Rivals.com, the 6-foot, 170-pound defender has offers from Auburn, Alabama and Florida. He also accepted an invitation to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Meanwhile, Lewis has been dubbed a four-star receiver and also has a plethora of big offers. He has narrowed his top five down to Alabama, Florida, Florida State, LSU and Miami, and plans to take official visits to all five schools. However, he has not distinguished any particular interest between the five.
"Everything is the same right now," the 5-11, 170-pound receiver said.
Miami head coach Al Golden has recruited the two South Florida natives persistently, and they spent the past weekend at his camp in Coral Gables.
"They say they want me real bad," Lewis said.
Like Lewis, Howard is open to all takers right now and is in no major hurry to commit.
"Maybe midseason or signing day," he said of a commitment timeline. "Those are the only two."
In the meantime, the summer will be filled with combines, camps and visits for both. Howard heads to Nike's The Opening showcase in Portland, Ore., from July 5-9 while Lewis will be all over the Florida 7-on-7 circuit.
Come fall, the two players — who wore shirts with 'Unfinished Business' screen printed across the back at the recent Heath Evans 7-on-7 Tournament in West Palm Beach — will try to avenge a loss in last season's regional semifinals and bring a 6A state title to Miramar.
Miramar High wide receiver Malcolm Lewis and cornerback Tracy Howard, the nation's No. 1 cornerback, are part of a potential package deal for the Gators in 2012. Both will attend Florida's Friday Night Lights camp on July 22.
