O.J. Howard ready to back up performance in national title game

It still seems just an unlikely today as it did more than two months ago that O.J. Howard, an often-times afterthought in the University of Alabama’s offense, would be named offensive player of the game in the biggest game of the season.

If anything, it was proof positive to fans that their cries of “Where is O.J. Howard?” had substance, the fact that the athletic 6-foot-6, 242-pound tight end was as big of an offensive weapon as most had assumed though his first three seasons. It just took the right moment for him to be unleashed.

His five catches for 208 yards and two touchdowns in the national championship game against Clemson still remains mystifying — one, that if happened on the biggest stage of the season and two, why did it take so long for such a target to be used in the Crimson Tide’s offense?

His massive potential realized in front of the world left UA head coach Nick Saban to re-recruit Howard and pitch reasons he should stay for his senior season.

The Prattville native gave careful thought about declaring early for the NFL Draft, but he ultimately decided another year in college was best for him.

“There was so much left on the table to do in college that it was kind of a no-brainer for me,” Howard said this week as he begins his final spring practices.

Saban was excited to receive the news that his talented tight end made the decision to return. He also knows there is now proof of what Howard can do in the offense.

Before the national championship game, Howard had a total of 33 catches for 394 yards and no touchdowns on the season. He hadn’t caught a touchdown pass since his November of his freshman season in 2013.

Howard still works to become an effective blocker. There are some who also point out that he also was wide open due to Clemson secondary blunders for his two touchdowns.

He chose to return because he knew he could become a better player.

“I want to be a better route runner,” Howard said. “You can always get better in blocking. You can never be too good of a blocker. Just that next level, just elevate it a lot more. Just be dominant.”

Saban told him as much during their offseason meeting, a practice Saban conducts after the season with each and every player on the roster.

"I think O.J. is an outstanding player,” Saban said. “I think there are things that he knows he can improve on as a player and there are things we can improve on to utilize him better on a more consistent basis, which we certainly plan on doing.

“He's been very productive in the two practices we've had. I think it's going to work out great for him and work out great for us that he made the decision that he made. We're excited about it and looking forward to him being someone who is very productive for us next year."

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.