TUSCALOOSA, Ala.– Tight end O.J. Howard becomes the fourth University of Alabama football standout to accept an invitation for the 2017 Reese’s Senior Bowl, joining outside linebacker Ryan Anderson, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson and long snapper Cole Mazza.
The Senior Bowl committee released the news Monday via Twitter, inking Howard as fourth participant at the tight end position. Ole Miss’ Evan Engram and Arkansas’ Jeremy Sprinkle will represent the Southeastern Conference with Howard for the game on Saturday, Jan. 28 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
Congrats to @AlabamaFTBL TE @TheRealOjHoward for accepting his invitation to the Reese's Senior Bowl #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/7XBjCisEq7
— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 16, 2017
Howard, a native of Prattville, Ala., enrolled on campus as a five-star prospect in 2013.
Despite critics targeting him as being underused throughout his career, Howard was nothing short of a complete player. The 6-foot-6, 251-pounder recorded 114 catches for 1,726 yards and seven touchdowns in his tenure. Clemson University was exposed to Howard the most, as its Tigers were burned for 334 yards and three scores on nine receptions in back-to-back College Football Playoff national title games (2015-16).
In run blocking, he matured as he received more reps. Howard cleared the way for 101 rushing touchdowns, including 33 in the 2016 season. He assisted two 1,000-yard rushers (Derrick Henry, Damien Harris) and set the edge for Henry to have 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2015, en route to capturing a Heisman Trophy.
Howard is projected to be taken in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
