Ohio’s 2008 “Mr. Football,” running back Erick Howard from North Canton (Ohio) Hoover, didn’t quite duplicate his spectacular junior season when he won the state’s top award as the No. 1 football player.  But he came close.

The 5-foot-10 and 210-pound Howard rushed for 2,387 yards on 404 carries with 31 touchdowns during his junior season, and was then named “Mr. Football” as the top high school player in the Buckeye State.

Howard led Hoover to a 7-4 record during his senior season by rushing for 2,060 yards on 337 carries with 27 touchdowns.  For his career the three-year varsity starter rushed for 6,039 yards and 79 touchdowns.

Howard also played linebacker this season.  In fact he basically played every down on both sides of the ball and some on special teams.  He had 75 first hits and 34 second hits his senior season.  Howard had six tackles for loss, caused four fumbles and intercepted a pass.

It would not be out of the question to see Howard play on the defensive side of the ball in college.

What is in question still is whether Howard will qualify academically or not.  That won’t be determined until at least January if not much later.

When talking about college, Howard mentions five schools.

“I’m about to start setting up some visits,” Howard said.  “I’ll go down to Ohio State again.  I’ll get to Cincinnati and Michigan State too.  If I’m not signed in February I’ll maybe go out to Colorado and Kansas.

“Ohio State is still my favorite, definitely.  Me and coach (Jim) Bollman talk once or twice a week.  I talk with (Michigan State assistant) coach (Pat) Narduzzi too from time-to-time.”

Kurelic’s Comment: Howard still has some work to do academically.  In addition to the five schools he mentioned, another option would be to go to a prep school and Fork Union, Hargrave Military Academy, Valley Forge Military Academy and Milford have all been mentioned.