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Why almost every college football program wants Oak Ridge tight end Malik Howard
TL;DR
Malik Howard, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end from Oak Ridge, is highly sought after by nearly every college football program due to his impressive skills. His performance during practice showcases his potential as a four-star recruit.
Key points
- Malik Howard is a 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end.
- He is considered a four-star recruit.
- Almost every college football program wants him.
- His performance during practice is highly impressive.
- He consistently catches balls thrown in his direction.
Malik HowardOak Ridge
Why almost every college football program wants Oak Ridge tight end Malik Howard
OAK RIDGE ā For two hours, Malik Howard's feet hardly touched the ground.
The tight end glided up and down the Oak Ridge football practice field as he plucked every ball thrown in his direction.
Even at half speed in a spring practice, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Howard looked every bit of a four-star recruit.
"I feel like I've leveled up as a player," Howard told Knox News on May 12. "I'm growing and maturing more."
As Howard sifts through the college recruitment process, he and Oak Ridge coach Derek Rang have been studying college tape. The Wildcats are molding the offense to feature the strengths of the No. 9 overall recruit in Tennessee for the 2027 class, and the highest ranked prospect in the Knoxville area in the 247Sports Composite.
"We've done some stuff in the offseason kind of examining what the Power 4 tight end is asked to do," Rang said. "Blocking, route-running, catching, scheme. He's been super productive for us and we're going to expect him to do a lot, whether it's stretching the field vertically, controlling the middle of the field in the intermediate throw game, and even doing some stuff in the quick throw game as well.
"I think it's really important whenever you have a guy like him, you find different ways to get him the ball. You just can't do it in one way. You got to have a catalog of stuff you can go to get him the ball to be successful."
Howard holds offers from almost every major college football program. He already took a visit to Notre Dame in late March and has a visit to Oregon scheduled for May 16. He has future visits lined up for Alabama and Tennessee and expects to commit in "late June, early July."
"I'm looking to see if I fit in that culture," Howard said on what he's searching for during visits. "I want to be around guys who want to win and take pride in working hard. At the end of the day, I want to go where I'll be developed the best. I've been blessed to be put in a situation where a lot of schools are coming at me. It's been hard turning some of them down, but I'm getting to a point where I'm starting to know where I want to go and what's best for me."
Q&A
Why is Malik Howard considered a top college football recruit?
Malik Howard is considered a top recruit due to his impressive size, skills, and performance during practices, demonstrating his potential as a four-star tight end.
Which college football programs are interested in Malik Howard?
Almost every college football program is interested in Malik Howard, highlighting his high demand among recruiters.
What are Malik Howard's physical attributes?
Malik Howard stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 230 pounds, making him a formidable tight end prospect.
How did Malik Howard perform during spring practice?
During spring practice, Malik Howard showcased his skills by consistently catching every ball thrown his way, even at half speed.