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For Houston Texans' first-round pick Tytus Howard, it was a cunning plan hatched by his mother that sent the wheels of his future football career turning. As Aaron Reis of The Athletic reported, Howards' mom, Teresa Rivers, sent a Facebook message to the coach of nearby Alabama State University in hopes her son would grab the program's attention.
Howard was a 6-foot-3 quarterback at the time, but his mother felt confident that if the FCS school gave him a chance, he could earn a scholarship. As it turned out, coach Reggie Barlow didn't need to see much to know Howard would be a fit.
Article Continues Below“Look at this guy,” Barlow said as he brought Howard’s film to his offensive coordinator, Fred Kaiss. “I really like him.”
Kaiss didn’t see it. Howard’s throwing motion was bad. His decisions were poor. He didn’t prioritize ball security.
“Coach,” Kaiss said, “he’s not a quarterback.”
Barlow knew that already. But with the right help, maybe Howard could grow big enough to play a different position.
“He’s an offensive tackle,” Barlow said after seeing Howard possessed a frame that could add size and quickness that might work on the edge.
Barlow couldn’t have known then how unique a prospect had dropped into Alabama State’s lap. It would have been almost impossible to envision today’s version of Howard — the school’s first-ever NFL first-round pick and the No. 23 overall selection by the Texans — when he was almost 100 pounds lighter.
The jump in competition from Alabama State to the NFL could cause Howard to struggle next season as a rookie, but the road he traveled to get to this point is already ready for Hollywood.
