HOWARD HUSTLIN’ TIGERS
Head coach: John Starr (20-22 in four years here; 159-121 overall)
Returning starters: 6 offensive; 5 defensive
Key players: WR Kerrick Thorne (6-6, 180), FB Willie Owens (5-11, 245), OL JaMichael Young (5-11, 225), RB DeOrion Elder (5-10, 165), DL Angelo Appling (6-2, 255), LB London Cross (6-0, 220), LB Nicky Banks (5-9, 170), TE/DE Davon Dupree (6-3, 240).
Team strengths: At a program known for having speed, this might be the fastest group of Hustlin’ Tigers in recent memory. That should result in plenty of big plays and keep Howard in contention against just about any opponent.
Team concerns: While they have potential, there is a lack of experience at most of the skill positions. Howard lost almost every player who accounted for offensive yardage last season.
Breakout candidate: Safety Chris Hall didn’t choose to play football until this season, his senior year. He was recently timed at 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, so once he adjusts to the game, expect Howard coaches to find ways to get him the ball on offense as well.
Staff photo by Robin Rudd/ Howard’s Kerrick Thorne celebrates a touchdown during a home game against Tyner on Sept. 14, 2019.Season outlook: Howard scored 30-plus points in five of its seven wins last season, and the defense was just as impressive, holding five opponents to 12 or fewer points, making 48 tackles for loss and creating 36 turnovers.
The Hustlin’ Tigers will need the experienced linemen on both sides of the ball to lead the way if they are to put up similar numbers this season. What the backfield and other skill positions lack in experience, however, they make up for in other ways.
“We’ve got speed just about everywhere, but the biggest thing I like is the attitude on this team,” Starr said. “It reminds me of a team from the ’70s or ’80s, where the kids don’t worry about recruiting or accolades, they just want to work and win.
“We just need to get off to a fast start to build some confidence in those young kids.”
Howard opens by hosting rival Brainerd and visits rival Tyner early before a run of six straight region games.