The Ohio State football program won a national championship last season in large part because of what quarterback Will Howard was able to do. He only played for the Ohio State Buckeyes for a single season, but it was as impactful a season as he could have had.
Howard gave the Buckeyes exactly what they needed in order to win it all. His ability to hit tight throwing windows was key in the College Football Playoff, as was his ability to throw the ball deep. Even though he wasn't the most physically talented quarterback, he was plenty good for Ohio State.
Even though Howard led the Buckeyes to a national championship, he was just a sixth-round pick in the NFL Draft a couple of months ago by the Pittsburgh Steelers. For a while, it looked like Howard was going to get a chance to compete for the starting job. Now, that is out of the question.
Former Ohio State football player Will Howard will no longer get a chance to start this year after signing of Aaron Rodgers
Now that the Steelers have signed Aaron Rodgers, the former Buckeye will likely not get a chance to start this season. He will now have to fight with Mason Rudolph for the backup spot on the depth chart, as Pittsburgh only has three quarterbacks on the roster.
Rodgers only signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, so Howard could have a shot to start next year. The former Buckeye will have to perform well as a rookie to get that option to start next year. He has to prove that he is better than Rudolph this season in training camp and in preseason.
Howard has been doubted for a while. He is going to be doubted again as a professional. That doesn't mean he won't succeed, just as he did for the Ohio State football team.