Cashius Howell is anticipated to be the standout defensive end for Texas A&M in the 2025 spring football season.

As the 2025 spring football season approaches for the Texas A&M Aggies, one name is already standing out as a potential game-changer: Cashius Howell. The defensive end, who is entering a pivotal stage in his college career, is expected to be one of the team’s top players and a key contributor to the Aggies’ defensive line. With a combination of raw athleticism, technique, and an ever-growing football IQ, Howell has all the makings of a future star in college football, and his performance during the spring season could set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year for Texas A&M.

Howell’s journey to becoming a key figure for Texas A&M has been a testament to hard work, persistence, and a relentless commitment to improving his craft. From his early days in high school football to his rise as a leader on the defensive line for the Aggies, Howell has shown a consistent desire to grow and develop as a player. As spring football kicks off, Howell is poised to take that next step and solidify his position as one of the premier defensive ends in the SEC.

1. The Rise of Cashius Howell: From High School Standout to Texas A&M Commit

To understand the significance of Howell’s anticipated breakout season, it’s important to first reflect on his background. Howell, a highly touted recruit out of high school, was one of the most coveted defensive prospects in the state of Texas. During his high school career, he earned numerous accolades for his performances, showcasing his incredible athleticism and pass-rushing abilities. His combination of size, strength, and speed made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and it wasn’t long before major college programs began vying for his commitment.

Howell ultimately chose to commit to Texas A&M, a program that has consistently been known for producing top-tier talent on both sides of the ball. His decision to join the Aggies was a reflection of the program’s commitment to excellence, the opportunity to play in one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and the chance to develop under some of the best coaches in the country.

Since arriving at Texas A&M, Howell has continued to impress with his work ethic and development. Though he has had to adjust to the speed and intensity of college football, he has shown flashes of the dominant play that made him a top recruit. As he enters the 2025 spring season, Howell’s experience and growth over the past few years will be invaluable as he looks to take the next step in his development.

2. What Makes Cashius Howell Stand Out?

Cashius Howell’s ability to stand out as a defensive end for Texas A&M isn’t based on just one singular skill. Instead, it’s his all-around ability that makes him such a promising talent. There are several key traits that have allowed Howell to consistently shine and that will be critical for his success in 2025.

Physical Attributes:

One of the first things that stand out about Howell is his physicality. At 6’4” and weighing in at around 250 pounds, he possesses the ideal frame for a defensive end. He has the size to fight off blockers and hold his ground against the run, but he also has the speed and agility to be an elite pass rusher. Howell’s length and strength make him a formidable presence on the defensive line, and his quickness allows him to get off the ball fast, often forcing offensive linemen to play catch-up.

His athleticism is not limited to his size; Howell is also a very explosive player. His burst off the line of scrimmage, especially on passing downs, is something that has earned him praise from coaches and teammates alike. Whether it’s using his speed to get around a tackle or his strength to power through, Howell’s versatility as a defensive end makes him an ideal candidate for playing in multiple defensive schemes.

Pass Rush Ability:

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Howell’s game is his ability to rush the passer. In modern college football, a dominant pass rusher can be a game-changer, and Howell has the potential to be that type of player. Throughout his career at Texas A&M, he has flashed the ability to collapse the pocket and get after the quarterback with consistent pressure. His combination of quickness, strength, and hand usage allows him to use a variety of pass-rushing techniques to beat offensive linemen. Whether he’s using a speed rush, bull rush, or a combination of moves, Howell has the tools to be an effective pass rusher at the collegiate level.

As teams in the SEC continue to develop high-powered passing offenses, having a disruptive force like Howell on the defensive line is crucial. His ability to create pressure on the quarterback will not only help the Aggies’ defense but also open up opportunities for his teammates. The more Howell can collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks to make hurried throws, the more opportunities there will be for Texas A&M’s secondary to create turnovers.

Run Defense:

While Howell is undoubtedly known for his pass-rushing skills, he is also a well-rounded player when it comes to defending the run. As a defensive end, Howell is tasked with setting the edge, and he excels in this aspect of the game. His ability to maintain his position and force running backs to bounce plays outside or cut back into the pursuit of his teammates is critical in stopping opposing offenses. Howell’s strength and technique allow him to shed blockers and make plays in the backfield.

In addition to his strength, Howell’s football IQ is another key factor in his ability to excel against the run. He has a natural instinct for reading the offense and understanding the tendencies of opposing offensive lines and running backs. This ability to recognize plays quickly and react accordingly makes him a strong asset in run defense. As Texas A&M continues to face some of the top rushing offenses in the SEC, Howell’s ability to stop the run will be vital for the success of the defense.

Work Ethic and Leadership:

Another reason Howell is expected to have such a strong spring is his commitment to growth and development. Since arriving at Texas A&M, Howell has consistently worked on improving his game, seeking advice from coaches, and refining his technique. His work ethic is one of the reasons he’s been able to make such significant strides in a relatively short period of time.

More than just his physical skills, Howell’s leadership ability has also caught the attention of coaches and teammates. As a young player with immense potential, Howell has stepped into a leadership role on the defensive line, mentoring younger players and setting an example through his dedication. This leadership presence, combined with his natural talent, makes Howell a key figure on the defensive side of the ball as Texas A&M enters the 2025 season.

3. The Importance of the 2025 Spring Football Season for Howell

The 2025 spring football season is a crucial time for Howell. It will be his opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to be one of the SEC’s top defensive ends. The spring provides a chance for Howell to build upon the foundation he has already established, further develop his skills, and show his coaches that he is ready to take on a more prominent role for Texas A&M.

This spring, Howell will be expected to build more chemistry with his defensive line teammates and the rest of the defense. He will also have the opportunity to refine his technique, whether it’s improving his pass-rushing moves or enhancing his hand placement in run defense. Spring football is often about developing those small details that can make all the difference during the season, and Howell’s continued improvement in these areas will be critical.

Moreover, Howell’s performance in the spring will directly impact the team’s preparation for the fall season. The more successful Howell is in spring camp, the more confidence the coaching staff will have in him as a defensive leader heading into the fall. If he can show that he has the ability to be disruptive on every down, it will only increase his value to the team and enhance the overall strength of the defense.

4. The Road Ahead: What to Expect from Howell in 2025

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Howell is expected to be one of the key players for Texas A&M’s defense. If he continues to progress and builds upon the momentum from the spring season, there’s a strong possibility that he could be one of the standout defensive ends in the SEC. With a full season of experience under his belt and a growing understanding of the defensive system, Howell could be in line for a breakout year.

The road ahead for Howell is filled with potential. If he continues to improve his pass-rushing skills, fine-tune his ability against the run, and develop his leadership on and off the field, he could quickly become one of the premier defensive ends in college football. With the Texas A&M defense relying on players like Howell to make plays in key moments, his performance this spring will be pivotal in shaping the defense’s future success.