Four-Star In-State Tight End Malik Howard Pledges to Vols on Official Visit
Image: Grant Bush
By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – After canceling his official visit to Alabama last weekend, four-star tight end Malik Howard wasted no time on Rocky Top, committing to Tennessee during his official visit, per Hayes Fawcett of Rivals. Howard chose the Vols over Alabama, Notre Dame, and Oregon.
Howard, a native of Oak Ridge and standout at Oak Ridge High School, is ranked the No. 215 overall prospect in the 2027 class and a top 10 player in Tennessee according to the 247Sports Composite. Listed at 6-foot-3.5 and 231 pounds, he delivered a strong junior season, finishing with 53 catches for 778 yards at 14.7 yards per catch and 11 touchdowns while helping Oak Ridge go 9-2 and reach the TSSAA Division 1 Class 6A playoffs.
Howard becomes the tenth commitment in Tennessee’s 2027 class and the fourth offensive pledge, joining wide receiver Kesean Bowman, offensive tackle Princeton Uwaifo, and three-star quarterback Derrick Baker.
