One of Tennessee football’s top commits in the 2027 class, Malik Howard, is turning heads ahead of his senior year. On Thursday, the four-star tight end elevated for a jaw-dropping one-handed catch that PrepXtra caught on camera.
The ball was placed only where the nearly 6-foot-4 pass catcher (with almost a 6-foot-10 wingspan) could get it. He rose above each defender, snagging the ball out of the air for a touchdown in the red zone.
Here is the video of the reception:
This catch by @Malik_Howard81 is just filthy🔥🔥@AthleticsOrhs pic.twitter.com/dny5tm9Q5z
— PrepXtra (@prepxtra) July 9, 2026
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Howard is a local recruit, playing for Oak Ridge just outside of Knoxville. According to 247, he is the No. 185 recruit in the nation, No. 8 tight end and No. 9 player from the state of Tennessee.
“Modern F-TE projection with the hands, fluidity and post-catch urgency to be a featured target in any passing attack,” 247 director of scouting Andrew Ivins wrote. “Measured just under 6-foot-4, 225 pounds the summer before junior year. More notably, came in with a near 6-foot-10 wingspan. Sticky hands and superb body control lead to acrobatic grabs in traffic as he can float with his timing and make mid-flight adjustments. Competitive once the prize is secured as he’s quick to turn and get up field…”
Howard picked the Vols after an official visit to Knoxville on June 5. He announced his verbal pledge the following day. He previously took an official visit to Alabama and went to see Notre Dame the following week for his official, as well. His primary recruiter at Tennessee is tight ends coach Alec Abeln.
Tennessee currently holds 16 commitments in the 2027 class. While top targets are still on the board, the Vols rank just No. 43 in the country and No. 14 in the SEC for the cycle on 247.
