One of the top running backs in Alabama...rated as the #15 player in Alabama by Rivals.com...#40 athlete in the nation by Rivals.com...#62 safety in the nation by Scout.com...#44 running back in nation by ESPN.com...#14 player in Alabama by SuperPrep...one of the Elite 18 in the state of Alabama according to the Press-Register...ran for nearly 1500 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior, helping Lincoln High School to the state playoffs at the 4A level...had one game late in the season against Clay County when he had 20 rushes for 192 yards and three scores...also had a 91-yard kickoff return for a score and a 76-yard run for a score in that win against a team that was undefeated entering the game...led team to 9-4 record as a junior when he had 1000 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns...averaged over 10 yards per carry...also a top track athlete, he competed in 100 meters, 200 meters and long jump...coached by Chad Martin at Lincoln High School...recruited by Charlie Harbison...chose Clemson over Auburn and Kentucky....born Sept. 5, 1991.

Mickey Plyler on D.J. Howard: "When you turn on the film D.J. Howard really looks like James Davis looked in high school. He runs well between the tackles and is a good downhill runner. He is athletic enough to make a few people miss but really is a one cut back."

Reminds Plyler of: James Davis