Washington, DC - As the Howard University football team gears up for the 2007 season, Howard Coach Carey Bailey admits that he has been pleasantly surprised at the team's progress. "So far I would have to say that from a retention and installation standpoint, we are way ahead of the curve," says Bailey, in his first season as head coach. "Whether it was watching film or studying the playbook, it has paid dividends so far. We have made a minimal amount of mistakes. It is a compliment to the players and their off-season dedication."The players have practiced in shorts the first week during the acclimatization period and they will don pads for the first time in Tuesday. During the period, the coaches have focused on drills, techniques, special teams play and conditioning.
"We're getting close with our conditioning, but we are not where I would like for us to be," says Bailey. The Bison will have 95 players suited up, featuring a senior group of 27 players who will be going around for the final time in their careers.
"Anytime you have 27 seniors, that means that you have a core of upper class-men who should have a lot of playing experience," says Bailey, one of the youngest head coaches in the MEAC. "That should be a plus for us."
On the offensive side, the Bison looked especially good during the spring under the leadership of senior Brian Johnson, who led his team to a 4-1 record over the second half of the season as a starter. He will be operating behind an offensive line that return several key starters including All-MEAC selection Travis Harmon and fifth year senior Torrence Simon. Howard also welcomes the return of Randall White, an all-conference caliber player.
The running game will be spearheaded by junior running back Karlos Whittaker and senior Frank Berchie, both 1-A transfers.
The wide receiver corp is arguably the deepest and most talented in recent years. Jarahn Williams, Larry Duncan, Michael Harper, Brandon Sherman, Leonard Moore and Arlandus Moore all bring something to the table.
Defensively, Howard will be led by All-American defensive end Rudy Hardie. Hardie will be helped by the return of senior defensive end Jarrett Burgess, who missed all of last season with a shoulder injury.
The line backing corp features the return of all-MEAC selection Robert Dowdy and Endor Cooper, who has been moved back to linebacker after coming on strong as a defensive end last year.
The secondary should also be among the best in the conference with the return of Thomas Claiborn, Randell Means and Rickey Jackson. Claiborn is a first team all-MEAC selection and Means are both seasoned veterans.
The Bison kick off the regular season on September 8 against the rival Pirates of Hampton University at 1 pm.
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