WASHINGTON (August 19, 2024) - As the Howard University football team concludes its most important practice to date, holding its second and final scrimmage Friday night (Aug. 16), the prevailing theme has unmistakably been one of covenant.
 
The team's performance during the scrimmage showcased the players commitments to themselves and to each other in how they want to execute on both sides of the ball.
 
"We have improved one-percent each day," said David Davis, Assistant Athletic Director of Football Operations. "With a veteran defense and an explosive offense, our team is showing remarkable cohesion. These players genuinely enjoy being around one another and it is encouraging to see how they are coming together. I am excited to see how they continue to progress over the next 14 weeks."
 
Running backs Jarett Hunter (Mineral, Va.) and Eden James (Port St. Lucie, Fla.) and offensive lineman Darius Fox (Washington) headline the returning players on offense while defensive backs Kenny Gallop Jr. (Portsmouth, Va.) and Carson Hinton (Detroit) anchor the defense. There are important battles being decided at other positions.
 
Scrimmage No. 2 unofficially closes the book on preseason camp. The final week was more focused on finishing touches, such as player rotations, redshirt decisions, class schedules (meaning student-athletes are back to a maximum of 20 hours per week) and more.
 
Head Coach Larry Scott heads into his fourth full season in D.C., with aspirations of leading the Bison, who are receiving votes in the preseason AFCA (American Football Coaches Association) Coaches Poll, to a third straight MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship. He has been using fall camp to drill down the depth chart.
 
In keeping with the theme of covenant, newly appointed Running Game Coordinator and Running Backs Coach Da'Vaun Johnson is fully honoring the commitment he made to Scott.
 
"Coach Johnson is a bright and hardworking individual who contributes immensely to our program," said Scott. "His opportunity to lead the development of our talented running backs is a significant step in expanding his role in the team's success. Not only has he done an outstanding job preparing the offense, but he has also been a valuable asset to me as a play-caller, particularly given his experience with the team as both a player and coach."
 
Johnson is equally pleased with the team's performance. As he settles into his new role, he notes that he and Greg McGhee, the newly appointed Pass Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, have formed an effective partnership.
 
"I am embracing the challenge of stepping up and leading the team from this perspective," Johnson said. "Working alongside Greg in his new position has made us a strong duo and we are committed to preparing the offense to lead the team back to Atlanta."
 
The schedule begins with the Bison opening the 2024 college football season with a road game at Rutgers Thursday, August 29.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.