Alabama defensive back Terrance Howard is leaving the Crimson Tide to play in….
Former Nick Saban, Alabama defensive back Terrance Howard is leaving the Crimson Tide to play in the HBCU ranks. The talented defensive stalworth will be joining the North Carolina Central Eagles, per a report by Steven J. Gaither of HBCU Gameday. Howard committed to play for Alabama in 2023 but didn’t get playing time in Nick Saban’s final season at the helm of the program.
Howard excelled in high school in Texas, earning an All-District nomination in 2021 for his outstanding performance as a cornerback at Ridge Point High School. He showcased his skills with 41 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and eight pass breakups. Additionally, he shone on the track, clinching titles such as the district 20-6A 400m Champion and Regional Qualifier with a personal best of 48.75. Transitioning to Jireh Prep near Charlotte in 2022, he stood out on both offense and defense, earning nominations for Offensive Player of the Year and a Post Grad All-Star selection.
Upon entering the transfer portal, he received significant interest from HBCUs in the SWAC and MEAC such as Texas Southern and Southern University. He eventually decided to join a North Carolina Central program that is one year removed from a Celebration Bowl victory and clinched an FCS Playoff birth last season. Howard looks to replace key contributors on the defensive side of the ball such as 2022 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and Inaugural Aeneas Williams Award winner Khalil Baker and Brandon Codrington, who recently signed with the New York Jets as an Undrafted Free Agent.
Alabama football has a running back room that mirrors what it had in 2018 with Damien Harris, Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, and Brian Robinson Jr.
The Crimson Tide possesses a strong one, two punch with Justice Haynes and Jam Miller, but will the latter name capture the starting job for Alabama in the fall? Haynes, a former five-star, is a tremendous talent. Tide fans watched him rip a few really nice runs in the Rose Bowl against Michigan. He brings the power, speed, vision, cutback abilities, and balance at running back; however, Kalen DeBoer’s offense will have the position catching passes too. Miller, a former four-star in the 2022 class, enters his third season in the program. He has developed into a vocal leader, and this offense may fit him better than Haynes.
The two play very well off each other, but Miller had an explosive spring game. He totaled 83 yards rushing on eight carries with two touchdowns, earning the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player of the game. Miller also caught a few passes out the backfield, showing his versatility as a receiver. He brings speed, vision, contact balance, agility, and pass-catching abilities.
Miller caught four passes in 2023 for Alabama’s Southeastern Conference Championship team, including a touchdown reception from Jalen Milroe on a wheel route versus Georgia. The Tide wants to be dynamic in every area on offense, and Miller provides that with his skill set. Haynes brings power between the tackles and balance is important, yet Alabama looks to be more pass-first oriented in the fall. It sets up Miller with a chance to be RB1 and take this offense to a highly explosive level in the
