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Not bothered by the negativity following his NFL Combine performance, former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard embraced another opportunity at last week's pro day. Aftee leading the Buckeyes to a national championship last season, Howard said much of the bad press stemming from Indianapolis came from Michigan fans.
"The combine, obviously, there were some things said about it afterwards, but I thought I did pretty well," Howard said via Adam King of 10TV. "I think, really, it was Team Up North's fans blowing it out of proportion. I missed two throws obviously, but other guys did too. It's definitely better being here in this building with my guys. You're more comfortable, but you always want to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
"I wasn't mad about it. I thought I did well at the combine and I got good feedback from people except pretty much the media. It is what it is, it's part of it."
Howard transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State for his final college season and finishing with a 73.1% completion rate with 4,010 yards passing, 35 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
"My ultimate goal was to be a starting quarterback in the NFL," Howard said at the Buckeyes' Pro Day, via Bucknuts. "I felt like if I wanted to go somewhere, I needed to take a step in a pro direction. Coming here to Ohio State, I looked at it as a pro step."
RELATED: Watch every throw from Howard during Buckeyes' Pro Day
Howard ranks ninth on the best-available quarterbacks list from CBS Sports.
Howard flexed a variety of throws during Ohio State's Pro Day, including deep passes on the run and impressive accuracy from in and around the pocket.
"I thought it was excellent," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said of Howard's performance. "I'm not sure he missed a pass, I thought he was on fire I thought the ball had pace, he did a nice job down the field, had a good rhythm, you can see him under center, had fun with it and the receivers did a good job, I mean, that was an impressive workout.
"And I think a bunch of the NFL guys just saw his size, saw the way the ball was coming out of his hand. It was very impressive."
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The underdog role is one with which Howard is familiar given his status as a former three-star recruit. He held just six Power Four offers out of high school at Downington (Pa.) West and earlier this season chronicled his recruiting process, stating that Penn State "didn't think I was good enough."