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 announced his transfer a few weeks ago. He posted a letter on his social media saying,
“First, I want to thank God for guiding me through the journey of life and through playing the sport I love.
Next, I would like to thank the coaches and staff for pushing me to not only be better but also for helping me become a better man as I went. It's truly been a blessing to learn from you all.
I would also like to thank all my teammates/brothers; the special bonds built over these short times were truly amazing.
Last but not least, thank you, Bama Nation, for the crazy moments you always had to offer. After careful consideration, I will be entering the transfer portal with four years of eligibility.”
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.
Howard is the latest Alabama player to leave the Crimson Tide to transfer to an HBCU. Grambling acquired ex-Alabama placekicker Reed Harradine in April through the transfer portal. Although Harradine did not compete for the Crimson Tide this season, he is currently dealing with a lawsuit related to a hit-and-run incident in Tuscaloosa last October involving a collision with Timothy Moore's vehicle.
Attorneys for the Harradine family spoke against the lawsuit in a statement.
“Mr. Moore’s attorneys are attempting to damage our son’s reputation to promote their law firm. It is shameful that the lawyers for Mr. Moore would try the case in the media. It is unusual, if not unheard of, for a law firm to hold a press conference regarding a traffic collision.”
They added, “We disagree with allegations suggesting Mr. Moore was seriously injured in the collision. We all look forward to presenting a vigorous defense in a court room,” the statement concluded.
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