Thurgood Marshall graduation 2012
Badin vs. Versailles
Law Enforcement Memorial Day
Home > Blogs > Buckeyes Beat > Archives > 2009 > January > 27 > Entry
Mr. Football looking hard at Ohio State
Last month, Erick Howard was high on the University of Miami when he visited Columbus.
He toured Ohio State’s facilities. He met with players. He talked with Jim Tressel.
The visit was a hit.
“It was opinion-changing,” Howard said.
That’s good for Ohio State, because Howard is the state’s reigning Mr. Football. He won the award as a junior after rushing for 2,387 yards and 31 touchdowns for North Canton Hoover last season. At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Howard is a little shorter than some coaches would like but makes up for it in toughness. Or, so says Hoover coach Don Hertler.
Howard, for example, plays defense as a linebacker and manages to stay powerful well after halftime.
“He’s a second-half player,” Hertler said.
He likely needs a similar strong late showing, though, to make it to Ohio State or another major program. Hertler said Howard has scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Illinois and Colorado and that most other schools and holding out to monitor Howard’s academic status.
“He’s got a long way to go,” Hertler said.
But, Hertler added, Howard is as motivated as possible. He’s beefing up his extracurriculars, including an appearance in the school musical, and he is making academics his main focus.
If he makes the grades, his college future is wide open. And Ohio State is at the front of the line.
Permalink | Comments (24) | Post your comment |
Comments
By mike
January 28, 2009 5:48 AM | Link to this
he will make it on field but not in the library,another scholarship lost to someone who doesnt care about school.By voice of reason
January 28, 2009 7:27 AM | Link to this
Seriously Mike…is there any reason to make that comment about a junior in HS? Does it make you feel better about yourself in some way? Would you say this to this young man’s face or to his parents? Where is the civility anymore?By steve
January 28, 2009 8:05 AM | Link to this
Just an ignorant comment by Mike who is an ignorant person…By El Presidente
January 28, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this
I agree with Steve that Mike’s comments are harsh and ignorant. Here’s a young man with his future in front of him and his athletic ability is the key for powering him to that future. I work with many US Air Force officers who are no kidding national heros (air medals, silver stars, etc.) and it was athletics that made it possible for them to go to college, because their families could not afford it. Give the kid a break Mike.By Brian
January 28, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this
Mike, maybe if you took school seriously, then maybe you would not be the first to comment at 5:48 in the morning, get off the “kids” back.By MANVAN32
January 28, 2009 9:04 AM | Link to this
NO COMMENT ON MIKE BUT HOPE THE KID DO WELL AND I HOPE HE BECOME AN BUCKEYEBy boxter
January 28, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
Heard he never goes to class. If that is true, he’ll do fine at OSU because if you can play going to class is NEVER an issue. He’ll be another Clarett.By gotitright
January 28, 2009 10:24 AM | Link to this
Mike comments may seem a bit harsh, but if the kid tried in school he could do better. HS is not that difficult. Do your homework, study for tests, seek a teacher if you have questions, and get a tutor. If serious, you do those things. Hopefully he is.By fred
January 28, 2009 10:35 AM | Link to this
Read between the lines … If he makes the grades, his college future is wide open. Mike is dead on with his comments. What a soft society.By Pete
January 28, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this
Being from North Canton and seeing the change Erick as made over the last year or so is truly awesome. I have also seen a freshman kid, who played some then become a man.He has matured and has gotten his life in order. I am truly proud of him and feel his future is very bright. Don’t listen to some of these nah doers and keep on the path. Go Vikes and I look forward to watching you next season.By Pete
January 28, 2009 12:08 PM | Link to this
More info on Erick that many of you don’t know. Single mother, father passed away when he was seven. Had a lot of anger and bitterness. Yes, took school for granted for about a year and half…..then coaches and people got into his head and he listened and changed his ways. He will succeed and be very successful…maybe not in football, BUT IN LIFE. So to all you negative people out there with no information on this special kid, please just take a serious look at your own life and be happy. GO VIKES!!!By fred
January 28, 2009 12:23 PM | Link to this
Pete - I hope what you say is correct, but we do not see very many happy endings in today’s soft society. I like my Cheeto’s soft with a crushed ice Coke.By chandler
January 28, 2009 3:18 PM | Link to this
Boogety Boogety!!!!By chandler
January 28, 2009 3:21 PM | Link to this
Inmate #38729012 write it down boys I said it first.By chandler
January 28, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this
Just another gang banger with speed.By El Conquistidor
January 28, 2009 8:59 PM | Link to this
Just another gangbanger with speed. I guess Sir Douche Bag “Chandler Bing” saw the movie The Program. You are missing Friends. Does anybody here follow SPORTS @ $#^@ing ALL?By GP
January 28, 2009 9:38 PM | Link to this
Go Michigan!!!!By Snow Bound
January 28, 2009 10:19 PM | Link to this
UD Flyers rule!By AP-FLORIDA
January 28, 2009 10:56 PM | Link to this
I’ve been a die hard Buckeye fan all my life…..and I thought Buckeye fans had more class that what is shown in these posts. Guess maybe I’ll stay away from here….By NickM
January 29, 2009 12:22 AM | Link to this
Im not one to say this kid is not going to make it. Thats up to him. All i know is, HS is not difficult. All you have to do is care just a little bit. I slept through half of my senior year and graduated with a 3.6. Public HS is a joke. You have to WANT to fail to do so. All he needs to do is gain entry into OSU. They will hold his hand from there. With classes like Bowling, Music Appriciation ect, the kid will make it through 3 years of school so he can turn pro.By Carlton
February 5, 2009 10:13 PM | Link to this
Honestly, I think it’s hilarious that Mike and Chandler made these comments. That’s their opinion and it just shows they aren’t true Buckeye fans or people give a sh!t about anything. I would love to see Erick in the Scarlet and Gray, I just hope that Mike and Chandler don’t try to cheer when he scores his share of touchdowns. On behalf of Erick fu#% yall lolBy Mick
February 12, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this
why do we always look for the bad in people. lets support this young man, in what ever his choice is. ohio state or not. study or not. graduate or not. its about people making good decisions. GO BUCKS DROWN A MICHIGAN MAN WOMAN OR CHILD ALSO THEIR DOGS CATS AND WHAT EVER ELSE LIVE UP THERE.By kontender
February 18, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
look the kid will be fine they are going to redshirt him get him some developmental classes get him use to college life he will be fine.By kontender
February 18, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this
look the kid will be fine they are going to redshirt him get him some developmental classes get him use to college life he will be fine.