July 4, 2024

Terrance Howard, a former Nick Saban defensive back at Alabama, is leaving the Crimson Tide to play in the HBCU ranks. The excellent defensive stalworth will join the North Carolina Central Eagles, according to Steven J. Gaither of HBCU Gameday. Howard committed to Alabama in 2023 but did not play during Nick Saban’s final season as head coach.

Howard revealed his move a few weeks ago. He wrote a letter on social media, saying, “First and foremost, I want to thank God for guiding me through life’s path and for allowing me to participate in my favorite sport.

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 move to a historically black college or university. Reed Harradine, an ex-Alabama placekicker, joined Grambling in April via the transfer site. Although Harradine did not play for the Crimson Tide this season, he is currently facing a lawsuit stemming from a hit-and-run incident in Tuscaloosa last October that involved a collision with Timothy Moore’s car.

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