St. Petersburg Catholic has one of the most explosive offenses in the Tampa Bay area, but much of that success starts up front with four-star offensive tackle Quinston Howard.
The Class of 2028 standout has already established himself as one of Florida’s premier young offensive linemen. At 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Howard has the frame college programs look for, including a reported 7-foot-2 wingspan and 36.5-inch arms. But it’s not just his size that makes him special. Howard moves extremely well for a player his size, plays with physicality and has the ability to control defenders at the point of attack.
That combination makes him valuable in every part of SPC’s offense. In pass protection, Howard gives quarterback Chase Burrill security on the edge and allows the Barons to push the football downfield. In the running game, his strength and massive frame help create lanes for Larry Christian and force defensive fronts to deal with him on nearly every snap.
Howard’s development has already caught the attention of major college programs. Florida State, Louisville, North Carolina, Arkansas, Kentucky, Nebraska and Wisconsin are among the schools that have offered, and his recruitment has continued to grow. Florida State offered Howard after he competed at the Seminoles’ Elite Camp this summer.
For SPC, however, Howard’s importance goes beyond recruiting rankings. He anchors the offensive line for a program coming off a 12-1 season and chasing something even bigger in 2026 — a potential state championship.
Now comes another major test.
St. Petersburg Catholic faces rival Clearwater Central Catholic on September 18 in one of the biggest games of the season for both programs. The rivalry, talent on both sidelines and physicality in the trenches should put plenty of attention on No. 70.
Howard already looks the part of a major Power Four offensive tackle. Next week against CCC gives him another opportunity to show why he is considered one of the top young linemen in Florida — and why his recruitment is only beginning to take off.
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