Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell entered the 2024 season with high expectations. After a breakout junior campaign that saw him rack up 8.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss, many believed he was poised to take another leap and establish himself as one of the premier pass rushers in the SEC. However, when the preseason All-SEC teams were announced, Howell’s name was conspicuously absent. While some might have been discouraged by the snub, Howell has used it as fuel—extra motivation to prove the doubters wrong and solidify his place among the conference’s elite.
Howell’s journey to this point hasn’t been conventional. A three-star recruit out of high school, he wasn’t the most heralded prospect coming out of Texas. He redshirted his first year at Texas A&M, spending most of his time refining his technique and adding strength. By his sophomore season, he began to carve out a role as a rotational pass rusher, showing flashes of potential but not yet putting it all together. It wasn’t until his junior year that everything clicked—his burst off the edge, his hand usage, and his ability to finish plays all improved dramatically. Yet, despite his production, the recognition he expected didn’t follow.
When the preseason All-SEC selections were released, names like Alabama’s Dallas Turner, Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr., and LSU’s Harold Perkins dominated the conversation. Howell, despite his strong 2023 numbers, was left off both the first and second teams. For a player who had worked tirelessly to elevate his game, the omission stung. But rather than sulk, Howell channeled the disappointment into his preparation.
“I saw the list, and yeah, it bothered me,” Howell admitted in a post-practice interview. “But at the end of the day, awards and preseason lists don’t win games. I know what I’m capable of, and my focus is on being the best player I can be for this team. If I do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
His teammates and coaches have taken notice of his renewed intensity. Defensive coordinator Jay Bateman praised Howell’s work ethic, noting that he’s been one of the most consistent performers in fall camp. “Cashius has that edge to him now,” Bateman said. “He’s always been talented, but this year, you can tell there’s another level of focus. He’s not just trying to be good—he’s trying to be dominant.”
That drive has manifested in Howell’s play on the field. Through the first four games of the 2024 season, he’s been a disruptive force, already tallying 4.5 sacks and consistently generating pressure. His performance against Auburn, where he recorded two sacks and a forced fumble, was a statement game—one that had SEC analysts reevaluating their preseason predictions.
Opposing offensive coordinators have also taken note. “Howell is a problem,” said one SEC offensive assistant anonymously. “He’s got that rare combination of speed and power, and he’s developed a few new moves this year that make him even harder to block. I’m surprised he wasn’t on more preseason lists, because he’s playing like one of the best in the league right now.”
The chip on Howell’s shoulder isn’t just about personal accolades—it’s about proving that Texas A&M’s defense is among the nation’s best. After a disappointing 2023 season in which the Aggies fell short of expectations, this year’s squad is determined to make noise in the SEC West. With Howell leading the charge off the edge, the defense has taken significant strides, currently ranking in the top 20 nationally in sacks and tackles for loss.
Head coach Mike Elko, known for his defensive expertise, has been instrumental in Howell’s development. Since taking over the program, Elko has emphasized an aggressive, attacking style of defense—one that allows playmakers like Howell to thrive. “Coach Elko has a way of putting guys in positions to succeed,” Howell said. “He trusts us to make plays, and that confidence goes a long way.”
While Howell’s individual success has been impressive, his leadership has been just as valuable. As one of the older players in the locker room, he’s taken younger pass rushers under his wing, helping them refine their techniques and understand the nuances of SEC football. Freshman defensive end Jordan Lockhart, a highly touted recruit, credited Howell with accelerating his development. “Cashius has been huge for me,” Lockhart said. “He’s always giving tips, whether it’s about footwork or how to study film. He wants everyone around him to get better.”
As the season progresses, Howell’s name is starting to gain more national attention. NFL scouts, who were already monitoring him, have taken even greater notice of his explosive first step and improved run defense. Some draft analysts now project him as a potential Day 2 pick, with the upside to climb even higher if he continues his current trajectory.
Still, Howell isn’t looking too far ahead. His focus remains on the next game, the next rep, the next opportunity to prove himself. “Individual stuff is cool, but I want to win,” he said. “If we’re winning games and I’m doing my part, the rest will come.”
The All-SEC snub may have been a slight, but for Cashius Howell, it was also a gift—a reminder that respect isn’t given, it’s earned. And with every sack, every tackle for loss, and every dominant performance, he’s making sure the college football world remembers his name. By the time the postseason awards are handed out, there’s a good chance the voters who overlooked him in the preseason will have no choice but to put him where he belongs: among the SEC’s very best.
