O.J. Howard announces he will return for his senior season

Alabama's hero of the National Championship will return for one last run, as junior O.J. Howard announced he would return for his senior season Monday. The Crimson Tide tight end was the Offensive MVP of the title game following his five catch, 208-yard and two touchdown performance against Clemson. 

Howard joins defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, safety Eddie Jackson, and linebackers Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson and Reuben Foster as players returning for their senior season to defend the 2015 national title. 

While he has only caught four touchdowns in his three-year career, Howard showed off his excellent combination of size and speed against Clemson and should see his role enhanced in 2016 as the offense moves on following the departure of running back Derrick Henry. Howard came to Tuscaloosa as a five-star recruit and 2016 may be the season where he shows he can perform as a receiver on a consistent level for Alabama's offense.

With all the talent returning for the Crimson Tide, don't be surprised to see Alabama ranked as the No. 1 preseason team in the country this fall.