Defense Shines in Howard Spring Game
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Although the defense was able to make more outstanding plays, the offense had some bright spots in the Annual Howard University spring football game at Greene Stadium.
Led by its linebacking corp headed up by Keith Pough, the Bison defense was able to force turnovers and make some sterling plays during the controlled scrimmage.
A 6-3, 225-pound red-shirt sophomore from Orangeburg, SC, Pough picked up where he left off last season before missing the last three games with a knee injury. He had two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery while creating havoc for the Howard offense.
“He’s beginning to see things better from a defensive standpoint,” said Howard Coach Carey Bailey. “Now he is able to anticipate and read plays before they develop. He is performing at a high level.”
Bailey was also quick to praise the play of the linebacking unit of sophomore Chase Mitchell, red-shirt freshman Clinton Gidron, red-shirt senior Jermell Eliis and transfer Kurt Mangum. “They played well today and have had an outstanding spring,” said Bailey.
Offensively, the Bison got good blocking up from from an offensive line that has matured during the offseason after a challenging campaign in 2009.
“They made a lot of progress over the past 14 days,” Bailey said. “I saw some things that let me know we are getting there. We still have some work to do but I am encouraged.”
Bailey also cited the performance of junior running backs Jahmaine Rodriquez and Terrence LeFall. Both had several big runs out of the new Bison option offense.
The quarterbacking duties were split between Terry Bradden and junior Casey Council. A 6-1, 235-pound red-shirt freshman from Riviera, FL, Bradden threw a touchdown pass to Willie Carter and fared reasonable well during his snaps.
Council, a 5-8, 170-pound junior from Salters, SC, Council who played defensive back last season, was able to pick up some big runs. He has familiarity with the offense because it is similar to the offense that he ran in high school. Jarad Dorsey, a 6-3, 200-pound red-shirt freshman from Elwood, GA did not suit up because of a foot injury.
Carter, who continues to get better each season, proved to be unstoppable. The 6-2, 190-pound junior from Denmark, SC grabbed 5 passes for 72 yards and a TD.
“Willie believes he can’t be covered,” noted Bailey. “He was outstanding today as he has been all spring.”