MONTGOMERY, Ala.| Alabama State offensive lineman Tytus Howard became the highest draft pick in school history Thursday night when his named was called in the first round by the Houston Texans.

The four-time All-American was the 23rd overall selection by the Texans, and is the 20th overall selection from Alabama State in school history. Howard saw his stock climb after playing in the Reese's Senior Bowl and participating in this year's NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

He is the first selection from Alabama State since Jylan Ware was chosen by the Oakland Raiders in the 2017 draft, and becomes the first first-round selection from Alabama State in school history. Three other players have been drafted as high as the second round in school history including Curtis Green (46th, 1981), Eddie Robinson (50th, 1992) and Tarvaris Jackson (64th, 2006).

Quotable
"Just like I imagined. He saw his dream, he worked towards his dream and now he gets to realize his dream." - Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley on the first round selection of Howard

"It's an amazing feeling, it's just really unexplainable right now. It's a blessing to be picked in the first round. I am just grateful for my family and for everyone at Alabama State for what they have done for me. This is a big day for all of the HBCUs." – Howard on getting drafted

"I was just sitting there, and looked up and saw all the tackles still on the board. I just didn't know what was going to happen." – Howard as the round kept going and got late  

"The next thing I know, Houston is up on the board and I see an 832 number come across my phone. I knew it was the Houston number, and I just looked around the room at everybody and though 'this is really happening right now.' Tears just started coming out, this is just something you dream of happening." – Howard on getting the call

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University football, follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateFB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.