A new turf, new players and a new attitude are expected to propel the Bison to new heights this season.
The Howard Bison football team held its annual media day on Saturday in Greene Stadium. The players and coaches both have lofty expectations for their upcoming season.
"I expect us to win the MEAC and to go to the playoffs," said junior defensive lineman James Robinson. The team's high goals are a result of new players, spring training and summer workout sessions.
"This is the first full summer we've had with our strength and conditioning coach," said junior offensive lineman Sean Woolforld. "This year a lot of the guys stayed at Howard to workout during the summer."
On the offensive side the Bison want to run the ball effectively to utilize the plethora of running backs that they have. Also effective running will open up the passing game for quarterback Floyd Haigler. According to offensive coordinator Alvin Harper there are five running backs that can be inserted to the game at any time without a drop off in talent and ability. Harper also said that the offense has about seven players that are a threat to score every time they touch they ball, but the success of the offense ultimately depends on the offensive line.
"The o-line has to control the line of scrimmage because that's where everything starts. We have to do the little things in order to win more games this year," Harper said.
Ramon McElrathbey, a transfer from Clemson University, is also expected to give the offense a boost with his versatility and experience. Brandon Drayton, a freshman receiver/kick returner is also expected to provide plenty of big plays for the Bison with his extraordinary speed.
On the defensive side of the ball the Bison are expecting a big year out of senior middle linebacker Endor Cooper. Cooper was named pre-season MEAC defensive player of the year.
"I want to live up to the hype of being the MEAC's preseason defensive player of the year. I also want to be an All-American," Cooper said.
In addition to Cooper, defensive coordinator Andre Creamer is also looking for big years out of defensive backs Robert Parker and Arondo Jamison.
"Our goal is to be top three in the MEAC in total defense and to create turnovers. We want to be a team that punishes the offense," Creamer said.
According to second year head coach Carey Bailey, the main reason for all of the enthusiasm amongst the team is attitude and preparation.
"We are light years ahead of where we were last year. We lost 27 seniors so that enabled us to bring in some players that fit our coaching staff and the attitude we're trying to establish," Bailey said.
Howard's Athletic Director Dwight Datcher also reiterated the changing mentality in the sports programs.
"The biggest change that we've made is the mentality. Its all about how you perceive yourself," Datcher said. The team's first game will be on Saturday September 6th against Georgetown.
"Georgetown and Howard are the only two NCAA Division I schools in D.C. This game is not only for bragging rights, it's to show that the two schools are becoming partners," Datcher said.
Be the first to comment on this article!