DJ Howerton is a 6'5", 240-pound tight end from Kernersville, NC, who attended Grimsley High School under coach Darryl Brown. During his scholastic career, Howerton played tight end and defensive end while also competing in basketball. As a junior, he caught seven touchdowns as Grimsley achieved a 16-0 record and won the NCHSAA state title. In his senior year, the team finished 13-0 and reached the NCHSAA semifinals. Howerton earned Second Team All-Area and Honorable Mention All-Conference honors in 2024, and was selected to the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas at tight end. He signed with Rutgers as a three-star recruit in the 2026 class.

Rutgers2026 — present