Preston Howard’s journey has come full circle, as the former Maryland tight end has officially committed to Auburn after entering the transfer portal. Originally interested in Auburn during his initial recruitment, Howard’s plans were derailed when then-head coach Gus Malzahn was fired.
After three seasons with Maryland, Howard’s visit to Auburn reignited his passion for the program. “I’ve always wanted to come here,” Howard said. “This is my first time down here, and it feels like home.”
Howard was particularly drawn to Auburn’s coaching staff, highlighting their persistence and honesty throughout his recruitment. He also praised tight ends coach Ben Aigamaua, noting their shared faith and Aigamaua’s consistent support.
Aigamaua envisions Howard playing a significant role in Auburn’s offense, similar to Rivaldo Fairweather’s contributions in recent seasons. Howard, standing at 6’4″ and 236 pounds, is eager to meet those expectations, emphasizing his commitment to getting stronger, faster, and learning the system.
Howard’s decision was also influenced by the chance to make an immediate impact, as Auburn seeks a player of his caliber to strengthen their roster. “I feel like my size and speed will translate to the SEC well,” Howard said.
Addressing Auburn fans, Howard shared his determination to help bring back the program’s glory days. “We’ve got a standard and we’re gonna live to that standard,” he said.
With Howard’s commitment and Auburn’s ongoing recruitment efforts, the program looks poised to continue building toward success.
Howard’s enthusiasm for Auburn extends beyond just football. He praised the camaraderie among the coaching staff and players, as well as the passionate fan base that fuels the program. His relationship with Coach Ben Aigamaua stood out as a pivotal factor in his decision, with Aigamaua’s personal touch and daily Bible verses resonating deeply with Howard.
The tight end brings a versatile skill set to the Tigers, and his size and athleticism make him a strong fit for Auburn’s offensive scheme. While he acknowledges that there’s work to be done, Howard is fully committed to putting in the effort necessary to thrive in the SEC and contribute immediately.
The addition of Howard reflects Auburn’s broader strategy of targeting experienced players through the transfer portal to bolster its roster. With a few other Maryland connections joining Auburn, Howard feels confident in the team’s potential.
His vision for Auburn is clear: to help return the program to its former dominance. “We’re going to put the work in,” Howard reiterated. “I know the guys that they’re recruiting around me are going to put the work in too. Together, we’re going to get everybody on the same page.”
As Auburn continues to build its roster and strengthen its team culture, Howard’s commitment is a significant step toward achieving the program’s high aspirations. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see how his talent and determination will translate on the field.
