He didn’t just raise eyebrows with his performance in Mobile, Howard also surprised some with his appearance at Auburn’s Junior Day. The All-State performer committed early to Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide program prior to the start of last season.
The recent coordinator changes in Tuscaloosa has Howard, who grew up an Auburn fan, opening the door a bit for a potential switch to the Plains.
“As I look at it now, I really don’t know what’s in store,” he said. “I give both (Alabama and Auburn) a chance because you don’t know what each coordinator will do. I am going to wait and see how the tight end is going to be used before I make my decision.
“(Scot Loeffler, Auburn’s new offensive coordinator) was trying to show me the different ways the tight end will be motioned — that really caught my eye. I want to see if he’s really going to use them that way. It might be a big twist coming down to the end.”
For Howard, it’s about seeing action as early as possible.
“You want to see if you can get on the field the quickest,” he said. “Both schools have a good engineering program, that’s what I want to do. Those are my two choices right now. It comes down to the opportunity of getting the chance to get on the field the quickest.
“I can’t please everyone.”