Braiden Howard Braiden Howard 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Opelika | 2027 State AL , a 2027 DB from Opelika, has seen a ton of momentum with his recruitment this offseason.

“Howard is quick, plays with a ton of speed, and dominates out in coverage. It was easy to see this both in person at camp and on tape.

I was really impressed with Howard’s ability to adjust to WRs- he isn’t easily beaten and wears down WRs physically, making it really difficult for them to haul in passes. Howard does a great job getting his hands on the ball- he’s seriously good at breaking up and picking off passes. Offenses need to have him circled every down going into next season if they want to move the ball in the passing game.“

Last week, Howard picked up another offer, this time from Mercer!

I really look forward to watching Howard and Opelika this upcoming fall. I think their defense could end up as one of the best in the state. There’s a lot to look forward to with that group.

Braiden Howard Braiden Howard 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Opelika | 2027 State AL , a 2027 DB from Opelika, has seen a ton of recent buzz surrounding his recruitment.

“Howard is quick, plays with a ton of speed, and dominates out in coverage. It was easy to see this both in person at camp and on tape.

I was really impressed with Howard’s ability to adjust to WRs- he isn’t easily beaten and wears down WRs physically, making it really difficult for them to haul in passes. Howard does a great job getting his hands on the ball- he’s seriously good at breaking up and picking off passes. Offenses need to have him circled every down going into next season if they want to move the ball in the passing game.“

In the last week, Howard has picked up offers from Arkansas State and Wofford!

Everyone needs to look out for him this upcoming fall. I think he’s only going to pick up more attention- just watch.

Braiden Howard Braiden Howard 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Opelika | 2027 State AL is a talented DB from Opelika we’ve been high on for a while, and in my two weeks away, his recruitment has taken off!

“Howard is quick, plays with a ton of speed, and dominates out in coverage. It was easy to see this both in person at camp and on tape.

I was really impressed with Howard’s ability to adjust to WRs- he isn’t easily beaten and wears down WRs physically, making it really difficult for them to haul in passes. Howard does a great job getting his hands on the ball- he’s seriously good at breaking up and picking off passes. Offenses need to have him circled every down going into next season if they want to move the ball in the passing game.“

Howard’s recruitment has picked up a ton of momentum in the last two weeks, receiving offers from Wake Forest, Tulane, Troy, and Southern Mississippi!

I’ve been a huge fan of Howard’s over the last two seasons. If you haven’t watched any of his junior year, be sure to check out some of his clips below:

I highlighted Howard earlier this month on PRZ, so I was excited to see him work in person. Howard isn’t the biggest player, but he relies on his twitch and instincts to make a play on the football. He is an active player, but it’s his physicality that impressed me. Even in a 7v7 setting, he wasn’t afraid to attach to routes with aggression and maintain physicality through the duration of the play. We have him ranked highly here at PRZ, and it looks like for good reason.

Howard is the most noteworthy name coming over from Alabama after a productive junior season at Opelika. I turned on the tape here and was instantly impressed. I love the patience and pace he plays with in coverage. He attaches to routes and hovers around the football at the catch point. Ball production translates, and 5 INTs and 19 PBUs this past year from Howard checks that box. Howard will be a fun challenge for the top receivers at this event.

Braiden Howard Braiden Howard 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Opelika | 2027 State AL is our new pick in the 7A. He had an unbelievable season for Opelika this past fall.

“Howard is quick, plays with a ton of speed, and dominates out in coverage. It was easy to see this both in person at camp and on tape.

I was really impressed with Howard’s ability to adjust to WRs- he isn’t easily beaten and wears down WRs physically, making it really difficult for them to haul in passes. Howard does a great job getting his hands on the ball- he’s seriously good at breaking up and picking off passes. Offenses need to have him circled every down going into next season if they want to move the ball in the passing game.“

Howard was unstoppable this past season. He ended the year with 50 total tackles (33 solo) 5 INTs, and 14 PBUs against some of the toughest competition in the state.

In my opinion, Howard is criminally underrated and is one of the top DBs in our state’s class. Be sure to check out some of his film below:

With 5 interceptions, 19 pass breakups, 53 tackles, Howard was arguably the most productive defensive back in the state. As a natural ball hawk whose receiver-like ball skills consistently show up on tape- he tracks the football with ease, adjusts smoothly to passes, and shows an elite playmaking radius. His soft hands and good closing speed allow him to finish once he’s in position, and his competitiveness at the catch point is elite—he simply doesn’t lose 50/50 balls.

Beyond coverage, Howard adds real value in the run game. He actively works to disengage from blockers, refuses to be neutralized by receivers, and maintains leverage on perimeter runs before finishing with explosiveness- making him one the best all-around / college ready guys the state has to offer at the position.

Bradien Howard is a talented DB we’ve seen take over the state this season.

“Howard is quick, plays with a ton of speed, and dominates out in coverage. It was easy to see this both in person at camp and on tape.

I was really impressed with Howard’s ability to adjust to WRs- he isn’t easily beaten and wears down WRs physically, making it really difficult for them to haul in passes. Howard does a great job getting his hands on the ball- he’s seriously good at breaking up and picking off passes. Offenses need to have him circled every down going into next season if they want to move the ball in the passing game.“

Howard has been lights out this season. Carver will need to get the passing game moving on the opposite side of the field- Howard demands that kind of respect.

Howard turned in a well-rounded performance, showcasing the complete skill set that makes him one of the more dependable defensive backs in his class. He finished with 6 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup, continuing to prove he’s a difference-maker on the back end.

He’s opportunistic with a knack for being in the right place, using his catch radius and awareness to turn deflections into turnovers. Taylor is also willing in run support, playing with an edge and wrapping up consistently. His field awareness and closing quickness jump off the film. Whether breaking on underneath routes or working towards the run.

Braiden Howard Braiden Howard 5'11" | 175 lbs | DB Opelika | 2027 State AL is having a breakout year and continues to stack together dominant performances week after week.

“Howard is quick, plays with a ton of speed, and dominates out in coverage. It was easy to see this both in person at camp and on tape.

I was really impressed with Howard’s ability to adjust to WRs- he isn’t easily beaten and wears down WRs physically, making it really difficult for them to haul in passes. Howard does a great job getting his hands on the ball- he’s seriously good at breaking up and picking off passes. Offenses need to have him circled every down going into next season if they want to move the ball in the passing game.“

Howard had another great week against Dothan, racking up 6 total tackles, one INT, and one PBU.

I don’t know if there’s a single corner playing better than Howard right now. Check out some of his clips below and you’ll see what I mean: