While A'Shawn Robinson and Derrick Henry opted to leave school early for the NFL, Alabama will still return a solid nucleus of talent in its quest for a national title repeat in 2016.
Two days after defensive end Jonathan Allen dropped a very strong hint about his intentions for the 2016 season, tight end O.J. Howard -- the star of Alabama's national title game win over Clemson -- went to social media to formally announce that he will be back for the Crimson Tide this fall.
8+8=16! Add One More To That 17 Baby!!! #RoadTo17 #RollTide #OneMore pic.twitter.com/ShQJLr41tF
â OJ Howard 88 ⢠(@TheRealOjHoward)
January 18, 2016
Last week, Alabama safety Eddie Jackson also announced his decision to return to help the Tide defend their title in 2016.
A strong hint of Howard's intentions for 2016 were revealed when he was not present for Alabama's formal press conference on Friday to announce that Heisman Trophy-winning running back Derrick Henry and defensive lineman A'Shawn Robinson would forgo their senior seasons to apply for early entry into the 2016 NFL Draft.
» Jeremiah: Howard stands out in star-studded title game
Howard was an underutilized passing-game threat during the regular season, but had a breakthrough performance in the national title game win over Clemson. Howard caught five passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns. Howard entered the game without a single touchdown catch, and a season-high of 70 yards receiving in Alabama's 43-37 loss to Ole Miss.
Follow Jim Reineking on Twitter @jimreineking.
