Some of the top shots of Alabama TE O.J. Howard.
1. He turned heads at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Howard is an intriguing prospect based on his 6-foot-6, 250-pound frame alone. But his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine proved that he's not just a big body. Howard was clocked running the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds, the second-fastest of any tight end in Indianapolis. His three-cone drill time of 6.85 seconds led all tight ends.
2. He's a leader on and off the field.
During his time at Alabama, Howard was a member of the team's leadership council and was selected as a captain several times throughout his career. Howard is also respected for his work off the field. This past season, he was selected to the SEC's All-Community Service Team. He has donated his time to several causes, including visiting children's hospitals, retirement homes and helping with Habitat for Humanity.
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- His numbers improved every season he was in college.**
Howard's numbers at Alabama don't jump off the paper, but he showed steady improvement in each of his four collegiate seasons. In 2016, his senior season, he set career-highs in receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.
*4. He has been the best in the business for a very long time. *
Howard has been best tight end in the country since he was in high school. Howard was listed as the No. 1 high school tight end prospect in the Class of 2013, according to Rivals.com.
5. He has been on a different level since high school.
By the time Howard made his high school's starting lineup as a sophomore, he was already one of the best players in their history. Howard set an Autauga Academy record with 31 total touchdowns as a sophomore while also setting the school's record for receiving yards in a single season. His junior year he scored 22 touchdowns – 11 receiving, eight rushing and three passing.
