Howard was a three-time first-team AISA All-State selection at Autauga Academy. He missed part of his senior year due to injury, but amassed 854 of total offense and 12 touchdowns and accounted for 57 tackles on the defensive side of the ball in 2012. He was named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association Super 12 team and named AISA 2012 Lineman of the Year

As a junior in 2011 had 11 receiving touchdowns, eight rushing scores and also threw for three touchdowns. He caught 41 passes for 926 yards while rushing for 487 yards, had 89 tackles with eight sacks and three forced fumbles on defense. As a sophomore in 2010, set the school record with 31 total touchdowns while also breaking the schools receiving records.

He was named the teams defensive MVP after making 89 tackles with six interceptions and four sacks.