WASHINGTON (August 5, 2022) – The college football season is just over three weeks away and Howard University is gearing up with high expectations after finishing with a deceiving 3-8 record last season.

SEASON OUTLOOK
 
The team, which featured a number of underclassmen, return with a number of key players, hoping that all the close losses that came down to one of two plays, helps buoy those expectations.
 
"The team had to learn how to play hard the whole game," said Howard football head coach Larry Scott. "We can win and it took that experience for them to realize that. We have had time to process and it is going to make a difference."
 
Last week, Howard was picked to finish fifth in the preseason conference poll as announced at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Media Day. 
 
The all-conference preseason selections were also announced and Howard boast five on the first team after being shut out last season for the first time in school history.
 
"We had a lot of young players last season trying to figure things out," Scott continued. "I like their efforts and commitment. In the offseason, they have dedicated themselves to getting strong and putting on a few extra pounds."

OFFENSE
 
Offensively, the Bison boasted the top offensive teams in the MEAC last season. They return several key players, led by senior quarterback Quinton Williams (Upper Marlboro, Md). This will be his third coaching staff since he arrived on campus. The 6-5, 200-pound native of Upper Marlboro, Md., had his best season last year, completing 176-of-301 passes for 2,353 yards and 16 TDs.
 
"Although I have played under three different coaches, it works as an advantage," Williams stated. "I have learned something from each experience and it has helped me prepare for everything. It is my job to get us in the best possible position to win those close games. We all learned from last years' experience and are ready to take the next step."
 
Williams will again rely on a number of weapons, including graduate senior wide receiver Antoine Murray (Miramar, Fla.), a first team selection, along with junior Kasey Hawthorne (Sebring, Fla.), junior running back Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.) senior Matthew McDonald (Owing Mills, Md.), who combined for a whopping 122 receptions and 1,600 yards among them.
 
"He is a very bright kid, who has done a great job of studying and learning our system in the offseason," explains Scott on his senior quarterback. "He is going to be a big difference for us this year."
 
The rushing attack provides balance to the potent attack with the return of Hunter (team-leading 643 yards rushing, three TDs) and senior Ian Wheeler (Houston), who combined for over 1,100 yards and 11 TDs between them. The unit could get even more production with the arrival of Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), a highly touted freshman and son of former NFL standout running back, Edgerrin James.
 
The offensive line should be much improved with the return senior OT Anim Dankwah (Toronto, Canada), a first team all-MEAC selection, sophomore guard Darius Fox (Washington), a second team all-MEAC pick and senior center DeShawn Ingram (Detroit), also a second teamer.
 
For the past three years, the offensive line has been a bit undersized. But that has been addressed as all five starters along the front weigh in at over 300 pounds.
 
"It all starts up front," says Scott. "We have made a concerted effort to build up in that area. What they have done with their commitment to strengthen their bodies and get a better understanding of what we are trying do offensively is commendable. We expect it to be one of the strengths of our team this year."

DEFENSE
 
On the defensive side of the ball, Howard will be led by senior defensive lineman Darrian Brokenburr (Manassas, Va.), who was named to the first team after registering 16 solo tackles and 3.5 sacks last season. He is regarded as one of the top defensive players in the MEAC.

"We are focusing a lot of our efforts on forcing turnovers and mistakes." said Brokenburr. "It makes the game a lot easier when you create the opportunities by forcing and capitalizing on mistakes. We have a different mindset from last season and we have high expectations for ourselves as a team. We know that we were close and can be better."
 
Others expected to contribute include senior linebacker Christian White (37 tackles, six for losses, two sacks), sophomore linebacker Terrance Hollon (34 tackles), junior safety Ray Williams (52 tackles, 2.0 for losses) and junior all-conference selection Kenny Gallop, Jr. (league-leading 75 tackles, four pass breakups).
 
"It is a mindset mentality," Scott added on creating turnovers. "Last year, we had 20 turnovers and only three takeaways. It is hard to be a championship-caliber team and not take the ball away. It has been a point of contention, confidence and learning the system and being in the right place. The issue is the ball, protecting it on offense and taking it away on defense."

SPECIAL TEAMS
 
A year ago, the special teams got a solid season from Faraji Woodson (Greensboro, N.C.), who led the team in points. He will be replaced, along with some, but other than the return game with Wheeler (24 yards per kick return).
 
"The kicking game is the neutralizer." says Scott. "It is critical to special teams. So, we went out and got us a kicker from Australia (Phillip Richards), who has the ability to change the game with respect to field position."
 
Howard should be in good shape in the return area with the return of Wheeler, who averaged 24 yards per kick return and was named to the All-MEAC First Team. He proved last season that he can change the game with his speed and ability.

DEPTH
 
Depth or the lack thereof was also a contributing factor in some of the close losses. Scott feels confident that that concern has been addressed.
 
"We went out and brought in some talent, both as freshmen and graduate students, who we feel can add depth," Scott expressed. "We can now go two and three deep at some of our positions without there being a drop off. At times last season, that was a problem."

SCHEDULE
 
The Bison have a challenging schedule with only three home games and the first five on the road, but Scott says that will not be an excuse.
 
"Put the ball down and come to play," he says flatly. "I don't believe in disadvantages of playing on the road as a difficulty. We just need to concern ourselves with our efforts."
 
Howard opens the season early when it takes on Alabama State in the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge in Atlanta (August 27). It is the Bison's first time being invited to the game, which will be televised live on ESPN. The game has even more significance since it is the official first game of the college football season.
 
"This game is critical," says Scott.  "It is a great opportunity for us to set the tone for the season. This is why you come to Howard, to play in big games like this and before a national audience."
 
An added treat to the schedule is the HBCU NYC Football Classic (September 17) against Morehouse MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands.
 
"What a great event for HBCUs," Scott concluded. "To have two great institutions come together to showcase their programs."

TICKETS
 
Season tickets for the 2022 football campaign are on sale now, featuring a pair of packages for Bison Nation.
 
Single-game tickets are also available and tickets can be purchased at www.BisonTickets.com.

MEAC/SWAC Challenge and HBCU NYC Football Classic tickets are sold through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

CONTRIBUTORS
 
Derek W. Bryant, Howard Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, and Nate Henry, Jr., Howard Football Broadcast Talent, contributed to his story.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.