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CJ linebacker, fullback to showcase versatility

Linebacker, fullback key to Eagles rebounding from 4-6 season in 2010.

Jan Underwood/Staff Photographer Darrien Howard, junior linebacker and fullback for Chaminade-Julienne High School, practices with the team.

ENLARGE PHOTO

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By Kyle Nagel, Staff Writer Updated 10:55 PM Monday, August 22, 2011

DAYTON — Throughout pee wee football, Darrien Howard bulged past the weight limit rule to run the ball. Instead, he diversified.

“I made him learn every position,” said Howard’s father, Darrell, of the Chaminade Julienne High School junior. “He learned how to play center, guard, tackle, defensive end, defensive tackle, nose guard. That made him a well-rounded player.”

Preparing for his third varsity season that begins later this week, the linebacker and fullback could show off even more skills. Howard will join several teammates in playing stints on both offense and defense as the Eagles try to rebound from a disappointing 4-6 season with first-year coach Marcus Colvin, who was promoted from assistant coach.

The Eagles will two-platoon some significant players while adjusting from a move to Division IV from D-III, making them one of three teams from the Greater Catholic League’s North Division to change divisions this season. Alter (D-IV to D-III) and Carroll (D-II to D-III) also had their divisions adjusted when then Ohio High School Athletic Association recalculated enrollments on the regular two-year cycle.

In Howard, CJ boasts an athlete who hasn’t yet shown all of his football skills.

“He’s also a heck of a long-snapper,” Colvin said. “Just little things you don’t notice about some players. He’s a heck of a linebacker, can carry the ball, he’s a heck of a blocker. He’s also one of our best pass-catchers, in terms of hands.”

At 6 feet 2 and 250 pounds, Howard started as a freshman. He holds a scholarship offer from Cincinnati and drew increased recruiting interest while attending several camps this summer.

Back at CJ, Howard is practicing various skills for work beyond linebacker, including catching passes with his underrated hands.

“Better than average for a linebacker,” Howard said.

With roster numbers in the 50s, Colvin will use several standouts on both offense and defense, including Jamel Sanders (linebacker and running back), Antwan Persons (cornerback and running back), Darian Reynolds (wide receiver and defensive back) and Marco Gresham (safety and wide receiver). New quarterback Sam Spees, who took over when two-year starter Michael Simpson transferred to Trotwood-Madison, could also see time on defense.

Not only is Howard one of the biggest of that bunch, but he’s also most experienced. He played significantly as a freshman before missing five games last season with injury. In his five games, Howard still made 60 tackles.

With thin depth at some positions, CJ coaches are working to keep the roster healthy, including Howard. While he increases his vocal leadership in the locker room and works on his tackling form, Howard has added another goal to his 2011 season: A touchdown.

“I would love to (score), but being a fullback you end up blocking more than getting out to score,” he said. “For me, it’s not about ... I just wanna hit somebody.”

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-7389 or knagel@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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