Corey Howard

Physical Profile

Howard possesses an exceptional frame for a defensive lineman, listed between 6-foot-5 and 6-foot-6 and weighing in the 270-285 pound range. He has impressive length, which he is learning to use to his advantage. As a two-sport athlete who also excels in basketball, he displays good coordination and functional athleticism for his size. His frame suggests he can easily add more mass and strength without sacrificing mobility, projecting as a strong-side defensive end or potentially a disruptive 3-technique in a four-man front.

Play Style

Howard is a power-oriented defensive lineman who is at his best when he can use his strength and length to overwhelm blockers. He shows a good motor and pursues plays down the line. His coach notes he is transitioning from being just a 'big body' to a more technically sound player who is learning to use his hands to shed blockers and is improving his eye discipline. He has shown the ability to be a disruptive force in the run game and is developing as a pass rusher.

Strengths

• Possesses an elite physical framework with significant growth potential, standing at 6-foot-6 with a large wingspan.
• Demonstrates considerable power at the point of attack, showing the ability to generate knockback and reset the line of scrimmage.
• Displays versatility to play multiple positions along the defensive line, including 3-technique, 4i, and 5-technique, making him a valuable and scheme-diverse player.
• Effective against the run, with the strength to shed blocks and make plays in the backfield, as evidenced by his 10 tackles for loss as a junior and 15 as a senior.

Areas to Improve

• Needs to consistently play with a lower pad level to maximize his natural strength and leverage.
• Continued refinement of hand usage and development of a wider array of pass-rush moves will be crucial for his success at the next level.
• Can sometimes be 'robotic' in his movements as he is still learning the nuances of the position; needs to play with more natural fluidity and reaction.

College Projection

Expected to be a multi-year contributor for Alabama with the potential to develop into a starter. His freshman year will likely be a redshirt or limited-role season focused on physical development in a college strength and conditioning program and refining his technique. Given his physical upside, he could become a key component of the Crimson Tide's defensive front in his second or third year, with the versatility to be used in various sub-packages and defensive alignments.

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that values size, power, and versatility along the defensive line. His skill set is well-suited for a 4-3 defensive end who can also slide inside on passing downs or a 3-4 defensive end. A program with a strong track record of developing raw, high-upside defensive linemen, like Alabama, is an ideal fit to help him reach his full potential.