Connect with us

Alabama in the Pros

O.J. Howard making smooth transition to NFL game with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

O.J. Howard will be just fine in the National Football League.

After having a good career at the University of Alabama, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected the former Crimson Tide tight end in the first round – 19th overall pick – of this year’s NFL Draft.

Following two minicamp sessions in Tampa Bay this weekend, Howard has turned heads with a couple of stellar receptions. Per a report from Buccaneers’ staff writer Joe Kania on Friday, he was one of five takeaways from the team’s first session. Although the Buccaneers won’t start blocking drills until it gets fully padded, Kania stated that Howard “appears ready for a seamless transition to the NFL.” He joins a roster littered with talented players, including Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson and tight end Cameron Brate.

Throughout his career with the Tide, Howard compiled 114 receptions for 1,726 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. His best performances came in the College Football Playoff national title games, where he totaled nine catches for 334 yards and three touchdowns twice versus Clemson.

Stephen M. Smith is a managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.

Facebook Comments

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 10+ years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

More in Alabama in the Pros