O.J. Howard: Highlights, Scouting Report for Alabama's 5-Star Recruit

O.J. Howard has the athletic ability to be a game-changer at the college level, and he has already committed to taking his skills to Alabama. 

This 6'6", 221-pound prospect is rated as a five-star recruit by 247Sports, and it's easy to see why. Howard has a wide frame that suggests he could easily handle more bulk without losing his explosiveness.  

Howard will likely end up as a tight end or H-Back, but he also has potential as a pass-rusher. However, it is his soft hands and body control that make him likely headed toward the offensive side of the ball. 

He naturally catches the ball away from his body, and he will rarely drop passes that hit him in the hands. To that end, it is easy to hit this lengthy target in the hands. He can cover a lot of space, and he has solid ball skills. 

This makes him nearly impossible to stop in jump-ball situations. 

Howard does not have elite speed, but he is a good runner that has enough explosiveness to exploit the seam in defenses. He is not a polished route-runner, but this certainly is not uncommon for a recruit, and solid coaching will help him make quick strides with his route-running. 

Once he gets the ball, he is a load to bring down, and he has an excellent stiff arm. 

He needs some work blocking, but he has the upper body strength to effectively use his hands. He also plays with a high motor and appears to be very coachable. 

Full Ride is Bleacher Report's weekly college football recruiting show that pulls back the curtain to give you the hottest news, analysis, interviews and highlights.  Follow Full Ride on Twitter.

Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting star ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite system.