Alabama Football Countdown: O.J. Howard

As we countdown the days to Alabama's season opener against Middle Tennessee State, which is 88 days away, we highlight an Alabama legend who wore the number corresponding with each day.

Today we recognize former Alabama tight end, O.J. Howard.

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An Alabama native, Howard arrived in Tuscaloosa as a consensus 5-star in the class of 2013.

Howard earned reps as a freshman, appearing in all 13 games for the Tide, catching 14 passes for 269 yards.

He emerged as a chain-mover for Alabama, with 13 of his 14 receptions resulting in a new set of downs.

Howard played a similar role for Alabama during his sophomore season.

The 6-foot-6 tight end saw a significant improvement in his junior season, becoming one of the top weapons for quarterback Jake Coker. Howard racked up 602 yards on 38 receptions in 2015. The Prattville, Al., native took home the Offensive MVP in Alabama's 45-40 title game thriller over the Clemson Tigers.

Howard opted to return to school the following season, becoming one of the nation's best top tight ends. Howard earned All-American honors and All-SEC honors for his senior campaign.

He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2017 draft, becoming the second Alabama tight end in the common era to be selected in the first round; the only one prior was Ozzie Newsome in 1978.

Howard struggled with injuries in Tampa Bay but saw success when on the field.

After his contract with Tampa Bay ended, Howard spent a short stint in Buffalo before being released due to roster cuts. Howard spent the 2023 season with the Houston Texans, hauling in ten passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Howard is currently on contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Keep up with Tide 100.9 and @Simonbez1 on Twitter as we countdown the days to Alabama versus Middle Tennessee State!