The Howard University football team hopes to pick up where it left off when it won four of its last five games in the 2006 season. The Bison have a new head coach, a revamped coaching staff, and 17 starters return to carry on the winning ways.
Carey Bailey, who most recently served as defensive line coach at the University of Minnesota, takes over the reins as head coach. Regarded as an outstanding recruiter, Bailey has assembled an impressive coaching staff that inherits a number of veteran performers, which should make for a smooth transition.
DEFENSE
Defensive Line
Howard returns senior All-American and All-MEAC candidate Rudy Hardie. The 6-1, 270-pound defensive end from Hartford, CT was a one-man wrecking crew, recording 22 tackles for losses and 10 sacks last season. Hardie came out of nowhere to have one of the most dominant seasons in recent history. He is equally adept at stopping the run and rushing the passer. His impact will allow his teammates to make plays when Hardie gets special attention.
James Carter, a 6-1, 285-pound sophomore from Tifton, GA made the best of limited playing time as reserve last season and to record six tackles and a sack. Carter figures to factor more in the Bison's plans this season with the added experience under his belt.
Howard welcomes back Jarrett Burgess, who missed all of last season rehabbing from an injury. The 6-3, 270-pound senior defensive end from Washington, DC had been one of the more consistent performers for the Bison during his previous three years prior to injury, and, if he returns to form, could give Howard one of its best defensive end tandems in history. Burgess is very strong and is quick off the ball.
Burgess will be backed up by Charlie Richards, a 6-3, 225-pound junior who was moved from the tight end position where he played the past two seasons. Richards is very athletic and should be able to contribute.
One tackle position will be held down by James Robinson, a 6-1, 280-pound junior from Verona, PA. Playing as a reserve last season, Robinson came on strong late in the season and finished with 23 tackles and a tackle for a loss in seven games.
Robinson will split time with Sidney Tucker, a 6-2, 295-pound sophomore from Bordertown, NJ, who has been moved over from offensive line.
Alfred Sutton, a 6-4, 240-pound junior from Fort Lauderdale, FL, will play the other tackle position. Sutton, a former quarterback, has been brought along slowly and should be ready for the challenge.
His back up will be Corey Berry, a 6-4, 240-pound freshman from Orangeburg, SC. The coaching staff is high on Berry's potential.
LINEBACKERS
Linebacker play has long been a staple in the Howard's defensive success. And this year should be no different despite the loss of two all-conference caliber performers. The Bison return Robert Dowdy, a 6-2, 220-pound senior from Fayetteville, NC who had his best season, finishing fourth on the team in tackles. One of the more intelligent players on the squad, Dowdy collected 31 solos, 38 assists, six tackles for losses and a sack. His leadership and experience will be a key to the Bison's continued success as one of the top defensive teams in I-AA.
Dowdy will be backed up Philip Daley, a 6-1, 220-pound junior from Laurel, MD, who played sparingly last season.
The coaching staff is especially excited about Endor Cooper. A 6-3, 245-pound junior from Woodbridge, VA, Cooper has been moved back to linebacker after playing defensive end last season and turning in the best season of his career. Cooper proved to be a dominant factor after adjusting to the new position, collecting 18 solos, 32 assists, 11 tackles for losses and a career-best 8.5 sacks. He will man the middle linebacker position and should be a dominant factor. Cooper will be backed up by Daley.
The remaining linebacker position will be held down by Robert Parker, a 5-10, 200-pound sophomore from Tampa, FL, who has been moved from the running back position. He will be backed up by Lawrence Hellams, a 6-2, 200-pound junior from Lanham, MD, who played wide receiver last season but earned raves for his outstanding play on special teams. The coaches are banking on his speed and aggressiveness to make a difference at that position.
SECONDARY
During the early part of the season, the Bison were having problems in the secondary, giving up several big plays. But a change was made after the first game and it translated into a big improvement in that unit. Thomas Claiborn was inserted into the lineup. The 5-10, 170-pound senior from Pittsburgh, PA went on to have the best season of his career, collecting 38 solos, 19 assisted tackles, two fumble recoveries, including one for a TD and an interception. Claiborn is a pre-season first team all conference selection.
He will be backed up Joseph Claiborne, a 6-2, 195-pound senior and one-time starter from Detroit, MI. Claiborne played in eight games as both a corner and safety and tallied 11 tackles.
The other cornerback position will be manned by Rickey Jackson, a 6-0, 185-pound junior from Colorado Springs, CO. Jackson was another key component in the Bison's turnaround. He collected 17 solos, 21 assisted tackles and picked off a team-leading three interceptions.
Jeremy Smith, a 6-2, 190-pound junior from Cleveland Heights, OH will serve as a backup to Jackson.
The strong safety position will be held down Randell Means, still another one of the members of the secondary, who had an outstanding season. The 5-8, 175-pound senior from Detroit, MI finished third on the team in tackles, collecting 39 solos, 35 assisted tackles, seven tackles for losses and a sack. Means should be primed for an outstanding season and is a legitimate all-conference candidate.
He will be backed up by Arando Jamison, a 6-1, 190-pound junior from Tampa, FL, who had his best season, collecting 16 tackles two sacks and an interception in eight games.
The free safety position will be manned by Vincent Moorehead, a 6-0, 190-pound senior from Brooklyn, NY. Moorehead is an experienced player who has waited his turn and appears ready to make a solid contribution.
Moorehead will get competition from Ulysses Alexander, a 6-5, 200-pound sophomore from Miami, FL who played wide receiver last season. Alexander is tall and rangy and could be a force at that position.
OFFENSE
Offensive Line
The offensive line could very well have been the most improved unit by season's end. The unit, which was hit by several injuries and inexperience, came on strong and helped fuel a running game that became one of the best in the MEAC over the last five games. Most of that unit returns along with the return of one of the top performers in the conference.
Sean Woolford, a 6-3, 270-pound junior Columbia, SC is beginning to come into his own. His experience will be a key. He came on strong late last season and had a fine spring.
He will be backed up by Justin Faust, a 6-4, 290-pound senior from Norristown, PA, who was switched over from defensive line. It is hoped that Faust's aggressiveness that he displayed on the defensive side will help offensively.
The other tackle position will be manned by seasoned veteran Torrence Simon, a 6-4, 340-pound senior from Manning, SC. Simon had a fine spring and could have his best season.
He will split time with DiMarques Floyd, a 6-3, 315-pound senior from Greensboro, NC, who had his best season last year and was a key in the team's success down the stretch.
The Bison welcome the return of Randall White. The 6-3, 305-pound junior from Greensboro, NC missed all of last season with an injury, but has returned and is a pre-season all-MEAC second team selection. He will be backed up by Darelle Washington, a 6-2, 225-pound sophomore from Duquesne, PA.
The other guard position will be held down by the rapidly improving Michael Russell. A 6-1, 300-pound junior from Cleveland, OH, Russell got some valuable experience last season and should be ready to take his place among the best in the MEAC. He will split time with Michael Adams, a 6-2, 280-pound junior from Marietta, GA.
Travis Harmon is one of the most steady and durable performers at his position. The 6-2, 285-pound junior center from Miami, FL has quietly emerged as one of the best at the position. He has been a key component in the Bison's rush game the past two years. The second team all-MEAC pre-season selection will be counted on to provide leadership to the unit. He will be backed up by versatile Sean Woolford.
TIGHT ENDS
With the Bison employing the Spread Offense, the tight ends will serve more as blockers than receivers. Chris Batten, a 6-3, 260-pound senior from Orlando, FL is regarded as an accomplished blocker. He will share time with Justin Faust, a 6-4, 290-pound senior from Norristown, PA, who has been moved over from defensive line to take advantage of his size and talent.
WIDE RECEIVERS
This unit is by far the deepest and most talented on the team. In 2006, 20 different players caught at least one pass in the Bison "Equal Opportunity" pass offense. Several of those players return and it should make for some interesting competition.
Leading the way is Larry Duncan, a 6-0, 180-pound senior from Lanham, MD who led the team in receiving with 19 receptions for almost 14 yards per catch. Duncan is the consummate possession receiver. He has sure hands and should be primed for an outstanding season. He will share playing time with Brandon Sherman, a 5-10, 180-pound sophomore from Winston-Salem, NC, who showed great promise during spring practice.
Jarahn Williams returns to the team after missing all of last season and part of 2005 with a shoulder injury. A 5-10, 185-pound senior from Miami, FL, Williams gives the Bison attack a proven performer with game-breaking ability. He is especially dangerous when he gets into the open field.
Williams will share time with Rodney Slappy, a 6-0, 185-pound senior from Beaver Falls, PA, who averaged almost 16 yards per catch last season in a reserve capacity. He runs fine routes and should factor more prominently into this year's plans.
The third wide receiver position will be held down by Arlandus Hood, a talented 6-2, 195-pound senior from Long Beach, CA. Hood had his best season, catching 12 passes for 111 yards and his first career TD in five games. Hood has the size and skills to be a serious threat. This could be a breakout season for him.
Hood will share playing time with Michael Harper, a 6-1, 190-pound sophomore from Stone Mountain, GA, who came on strong late in the season catching eight passes for over 10 yards per catch in four games. If his performance in the spring game is any indication, Harper could emerge as one of the Bison's top threats.
Other receivers who could vie for playing time include Leonard Moore, a 5-10, 185-pound senior return specialist who finished second on the team with 14 receptions and a TD and versatile Martin Decembert, a 6-1, 190-pound junior from Miami, FL who is a game breaker.
RUNNING BACKS
The running back position is another area where the Bison have talent. Frank Berchie, Karlos Whittaker, and Terry Perry all figure to get touches.
Berchie is a 5-9, 210-pound senior from Falls Church, VA who showed flashes when called upon. The University of Akron transfer rushed for 191 yards on 28 carries in seven games. He runs with power and should benefit from the Bison's offensive scheme.
Berchie will split time with Whittaker, a 5-11, 195-pound junior from Chicago, IL, who came on strong late in the season and finished with 273 yards and three touchdowns. A transfer from Navy, Whittaker has been hampered by a knee injury, but if healthy could be one of the top backs in the conference.
Perry is a 5-8, 175-pound junior from Miami, FL, who spent most of last season as a wide receiver catching 12 passes during spot duty. As a running back, he gives the Bison a player who can get into the secondary and create problems.
Other players who may factor in the team's plans are freshmen David Lynch, a 5-11, 175-pound freshman from Sugarland, TX and Michael Hicks, a 5-9, 205-pound freshman from Dallas, TX.
QUARTERBACKS
Brian Johnson took over the helm in the seventh game of the season and then led the Bison to four wins in the last five games. The 6-0, 190-pound senior Gardenia, CA completed 42 of 84 passes for 474 yards and six TDs while rushing for a team-high 516 yards. Johnson parlayed that success into a fine spring showing that earned him the nod at quarterback.
The junior college transfer brings poise and savvy to the offense. But Johnson may get strong competition from Floyd Haigler, a 6-2, 195-pound junior from Orangeburg, SC, who played in only six games last season due to an injury. His ability to pass and run gives the Bison an extra dimension in their offense. Haigler is the Howard QB of the future.
Still another player who figures in the mix is Darrell Turner, a 6-5, 235-pound senior from Philadelphia, PA, who played in four games and passed for 118 yards. Turner is a one-time starter for the Bison.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Dennis Wiehberg doubled as punter and place kicker last season. The 5-10, 190-pound sophomore from Berlin, Germany, who had never punted before coming to Howard, averaged a respectable 35 yards per punt, knocking nine of his 38 attempts inside the 20-yard line. He converted on seven of 11 field goals and 17 of 19 PATs to lead the team in scoring.
But Wiehberg's duties will be relegated to punting only this season and he could be challenged by Patrick Wolff, a 6-0, 190-pound freshman from Wurselen, Germany.
John Mendoza, a 5-10, 200-pound sophomore from Miami, FL, will handle the placekicking duties. Mendoza served almost primarily as the kick off specialist last season.
The Bison appear to be solid in the return area where Hood, Leonard Moore and Duncan, in a pinch, are all sure handed return men with fine skills.
Berchie, Whittaker and Moore will battle for kick return duties. Moore averaged almost 22 yards per return and Whittaker and Berchie both have experience as return men from their former schools, Navy and Akron, respectively.
Joshua August, a 6-2, 195-pound junior from Orangeburg, SC, is one of the top long snappers in the conference.
There are no contests upcoming.
Multimedia
Coach's Comments from 2008 Football Spring Training (Part One)
Coach's Comments from 2008 Football Spring Training (Part Two)
Meet the Coach
Head Football Coach
Carey Bailey
Howard University
Photos Taken By All-Pro Photography