The defensive backfield is another area the athlete could help add depth upon arrival. Howard is primarily lining up at running back this season on offense but noted his high school coaches put him in at corner back against the opposing team’s best receivers in passing situations. “I like how they [the Vols] gives their guys the chance to play one-on-one and showcase their ability. They have a lot of people coming down and playing press coverage and I think I’d do well with that,” Howard said. “If you do what you need to do in practice, you’ll get a chance to play. I like how they aren’t afraid to play freshmen, either.” Two of Tennessee’s prized recruits in the Class of 2018 started nearly every game at the corner back position last season as freshmen. Both Bryce Thompson and Alontae Taylor have improved as defensive players since the time – but both were almost exclusively used as offensive weapons in high school. Howard, like Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt, believes having the ball in your hands at the prep level will only help you as a defender at the next level. “Offensive players have great agility. When you get an interception on defense, you know what to do. You can go ahead and take it to the house.”
