In the 2025 spring football season, Cashius Howell is expected to be Texas A&M’s most impressive defensive end.

Cashius Howell: Texas A&M’s Most Impressive Defensive End in the 2025 Spring Football Season

As the Texas A&M Aggies prepare for their 2025 spring football season, all eyes are on one of the rising stars of their defense: Cashius Howell. The defensive end, entering his junior season, has been heralded as one of the most promising and dynamic players on the roster. Known for his explosive athleticism, relentless motor, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Howell is expected to make a major leap this spring, cementing himself as the Aggies’ most impressive defensive end. His development throughout the 2025 offseason will play a crucial role in determining the strength of the Aggies’ defense, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as Texas A&M looks to return to prominence in the SEC.

A Rising Star: Cashius Howell’s Early Years at Texas A&M

To understand how Howell has gotten to this point, it’s essential to look back at his journey to College Station. A standout defensive lineman at Lawrence High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Howell was a highly recruited player who turned heads with his combination of size, athleticism, and tenacity on the field. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing approximately 280 pounds, Howell had the ideal build for a defensive end. His high school tape showcased his ability to shed blockers, pursue quarterbacks, and set the edge against the run, making him a coveted recruit for several top-tier programs, including Texas A&M.

Howell chose the Aggies for a variety of reasons, including the coaching staff’s commitment to developing players and their ability to compete at a high level in the SEC. Upon joining Texas A&M in 2023, Howell quickly made his presence felt. While he didn’t start immediately, he showed glimpses of his potential as a rotational player, contributing to the team in both pass-rushing situations and against the run. Despite being a freshman, Howell’s ability to make an impact on the field was evident, and the coaching staff began to recognize his potential as a future star.

In his sophomore season in 2024, Howell’s development continued to accelerate. With more consistent playing time, he emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players on the team. He posted impressive stats, including 7 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and several quarterback pressures, all while showcasing his impressive ability to both rush the passer and defend the run. Howell’s performance in 2024 put him on the radar of NFL scouts, but his focus remained on improving his game and helping Texas A&M return to SEC contention.

What Makes Cashius Howell Stand Out?

Cashius Howell’s game is a combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and an unrelenting work ethic that has made him one of the most impressive defensive ends on the team and one of the most promising players heading into the 2025 spring season. Below are some of the key aspects of Howell’s game that make him stand out.

1. Elite Physical Tools

First and foremost, Howell’s physical tools are what set him apart from many of his peers at the defensive end position. At 6’5” and 280 pounds, Howell has the size and strength to overpower offensive tackles and set the edge against the run. But what really makes Howell special is his athleticism for his size. He has a quick first step that allows him to beat offensive linemen off the snap, and his lateral movement is exceptional for a player of his build. Howell’s explosiveness, combined with his power, makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, especially in passing situations.

In addition to his strength and explosiveness, Howell has developed an impressive combination of agility and balance, which allows him to move with the fluidity of a much smaller player. He has a great burst off the line of scrimmage and can bend around the edge with ease, a trait that makes him a dangerous pass rusher. These physical attributes give Howell the versatility to play both on the inside and outside of the defensive line, making him a dynamic piece in defensive coordinator DJ Durkin’s system.

2. Pass-Rush Abilities

One of Howell’s most impressive skills is his ability to rush the passer. Over the past two seasons, Howell has developed a diverse set of pass-rushing moves, making him unpredictable and difficult to block. He combines power moves, such as bull rushes, with finesse techniques like the swim move and spin moves, allowing him to win from different angles and with different approaches. His ability to counter offensive linemen’s techniques is a key reason why he has been able to rack up consistent pressure on quarterbacks.

In 2024, Howell had a breakout season in terms of his ability to get to the quarterback. His 7 sacks were among the team’s best, and his constant pressure on opposing signal-callers was evident in his numerous quarterback hits and hurries. Howell’s ability to collapse the pocket from the outside, as well as his quickness in pursuit, makes him a threat to disrupt plays at any moment. This is particularly valuable in the SEC, where quarterbacks can sometimes get rid of the ball quickly, but Howell’s ability to close the pocket and force errant throws makes him a dangerous weapon on the edge.

3. Run Defense and Setting the Edge

While Howell is known for his pass-rushing abilities, his effectiveness against the run is equally impressive. His size and strength allow him to anchor against the run, preventing offensive linemen from moving him off the ball. He has an innate ability to recognize plays and adjust accordingly, whether that means disengaging from a blocker to make a tackle or maintaining his position to keep running backs from getting to the outside.

In 2024, Howell was a key contributor in the Aggies’ run defense, recording 12 tackles for loss, several of which came from his ability to shed blockers and disrupt running plays in the backfield. His ability to set the edge and prevent outside runs from developing is one of his defining traits as a defensive end, and it will continue to be a key component of his game heading into 2025.

4. Work Ethic and Mentality

What sets Howell apart from other talented defensive ends is his work ethic and mentality. Known for his relentless motor, Howell gives maximum effort on every play, whether it’s rushing the passer, defending the run, or pursuing the ball down the field. His drive to improve and perfect his craft is evident in the progress he has made from his freshman season to his sophomore year. Howell has consistently demonstrated that he is willing to put in the extra work necessary to be the best, whether that’s in the weight room, watching film, or refining his technique on the field.

Howell’s commitment to being a leader for the Aggies has also been notable. As one of the most experienced defensive players heading into the 2025 season, he has embraced a leadership role, both vocally and by example. His willingness to mentor younger players and share his knowledge of the game speaks to his maturity and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

Expectations for 2025: Howell as the Aggies’ Standout Defensive End

Heading into the 2025 spring football season, the expectation is that Cashius Howell will take his game to the next level and emerge as Texas A&M’s most impressive defensive end. With a combination of talent, development, and experience, Howell has the potential to be one of the best pass rushers in the SEC and a key piece of the Aggies’ defense.

Several factors will contribute to Howell’s success in 2025, including the continued development of his pass-rushing skills, his ability to stay healthy, and his ability to anchor the defensive line. In addition, the Aggies’ defensive scheme under DJ Durkin will likely give Howell the freedom to move around the defensive line, which could lead to even more opportunities to generate pressure on quarterbacks.

Another critical aspect of Howell’s development will be his ability to remain consistent. While his potential is undeniable, the best players in the league are those who can perform at a high level week in and week out. In 2025, Howell will need to continue to develop his technique, expand his move set, and remain disciplined in his approach to each game. If he can continue to refine his game and stay focused, Howell could become one of the top defensive ends in the SEC—and potentially even a first-round NFL draft pick.

The Bigger Picture: Howell’s Impact on Texas A&M’s Defense

While Howell’s individual performance will be key to his success in 2025, his impact on the Aggies’ defense as a whole cannot be overstated. Texas A&M’s defensive line will need to be disruptive and consistent in order to compete at the highest level in the SEC, and Howell will play a pivotal role in setting the tone.

His ability to rush the passer and defend the run will help the Aggies control the line of scrimmage, making life easier for the secondary and allowing the defense to stay fresh. As one of the leaders of the defensive line, Howell will also be expected to help develop the younger players around him, ensuring that the Aggies have a deep and effective defensive front.