Alabama football addressed one of its biggest transfer portal needs Monday morning when Charlotte defensive back Kameron Howard announced his commitment to the Tide via his X account.
All Glory To GOD!!!
I will be taking my talents to the University of Alabama!!! #RollTide 🐘 pic.twitter.com/kztFTss0Lo— Kameron Howard (@kamplugg) April 29, 2024
A 5-foot-11, 189-pound prospect, Howard played in all 12 games last season including two starts. He recorded 38 tackles (21 solo) and two interceptions. Howard, a rising sophomore, entered the transfer portal Saturday and quickly became a priority for the staff, culminating in a commitment.
There’s some familiarity between Howard and the new Alabama staff. He was recruited by defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist out of high school to Buffalo before choosing Charlotte. He will have three years of eligibility remaining. Howard becomes the third transfer portal addition for Alabama joining offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (Iowa) and kicker Graham Nicholson (Miami OH).
What it means for Alabama’s secondary
Howard was a listed safety at Charlotte but has experience at slot cornerback (known as a Husky in Alabama’s system) dating back to high school. Howard played at one of the nation’s premier programs in St. Frances (Md.), the same school as former player and 2024 second-round draft pick Chris Braswell. Howard, who could play a number of positions in the secondary given his size, is an ideal profile of a player that Alabama hoped to add: a young player with experience who is versatile enough to fill multiple depth voids in the secondary.
This might not be the end of defensive back moves, Alabama hosted Arizona State cornerback Ed Woods over the weekend and awaits a decision, but Howard is a nice addition as a swing defensive back who could play immediately if needed and has full-time starter potential down the road. As it stands, Alabama’s starting safety trio are veterans Malachi Moore, Keon Sabb and DeVonta Smith with true freshman Red Morgan making a strong push for playing time after a strong spring practice period.
Howard’s versatility as a player
Howard was a listed safety at Charlotte but has experience at slot cornerback as well. According to Pro Football Focus, Howard logged 171 snaps either in the box or in the slot (known as a Husky in Alabama’s system) and 167 snaps at safety last season. His position versatility dates back to high school where Howard played at one of the nation’s premier programs in St. Frances (Md.), the same school as former player and 2024 second-round draft pick Chris Braswell.
Howard, who could play several positions in the secondary given his size, is an ideal profile of a player that Alabama hoped to add: a young player with experience who is versatile enough to fill multiple depth voids in the secondary.
Required reading
(Photo of Kalen DeBoer: Gary Cosby Jr. / Tuscaloosa News / USA Today)
