Greg Howell, a 6-foot, 207-pound running back from Coral Gables (FL) High, will announce his college decision soon. Howell, who is one of the Sunshine State’s top rushers this season, visited Minnesota for the Western Illinois gamer.
Howell runs a 4.54 40-yard dash and bench presses 330 pounds and leads Coral Gables against Columbus in the second round of the playoffs Thursday. He rushed 209 yards on 33 carries with two touchdowns in their 30-27 win over Columbus in the third game of the season. Howell is hoping to play this week after missing their first round playoff game with a thigh injury. GopherHole caught up with Howell Monday to learn the more about his upcoming decision.
GopherHole: You are 10-1 and play Columbus in the playoffs Thursday. What are you expecting from them?
Gregory Howell: I am just looking forward to a win for my team. We have been fighting all year and we just want to keep going.
GopherHole: How pleased are you with how well the team is playing this year?
Gregory Howell: I saw over the offseason that I knew that we had something good coming. We just have to keep staying humble and keeping fighting. I am very impressed. I am grateful for my team coming through and doing what they have to do.
GopherHole: How about your own individual play?
Gregory Howell: I stacked up and played a lead role. I did what I was asked to do.
GopherHole: Do you know what your stats are this year?
Gregory Howell: I think that I have 1,420 yards.
GopherHole: How many schools are you down to right now?
Gregory Howell: Four. Minnesota, WKU (Western Kentucky), FAU (Florida Atlantic) and Georgia State.
GopherHole: Did you take official visits to all those schools?
Gregory Howell: I took an official visit to Minnesota. I didn’t take an official visit to FAU, because it is right down the street, but I went around and visited it.
GopherHole: Let me ask you about each of the schools. What do you like about Minnesota?
Gregory Howell: First of all, I like their system. Being a running back, they run the ball a lot, so that is very attractive. It is something new and something that I can learn and adapt to. That is something that I would like to do. I feel that would make me grow. The coaches and staff. The staff was there on me immediately. Coach Anderson is one of those guys. Some people you know, but there are some people you can’t tell. He is telling me that he is not going to pressure me and they tell me that they need me. That made me feel way wanted because they are not pressuring me to make a decision like other people.
GopherHole: They have won four straight games. Have you been able to follow them?
Gregory Howell: I have been talking to the coaches. I might call them later on to tell them about everything.
GopherHole: What do you like about Western Kentucky?
Gregory Howell: The program has been very successful. I have a teammate that I played with over the years. Nicholas Norris, is a wide receiver. They have been doing good. I haven’t been able to get over there to see the campus, but the program and they have the leading rusher (Antonio Andrews has 1,407 yards).
GopherHole: What do you like about Florida Atlantic?
Gregory Howell: Coach Kerry Dixon (running back coach) has been communicating with me a lot. He told me that he needs me. Although the outcome of the season hasn’t been so well, they are still trying to pull through and it is the local team and that carries a lot of leverage.
GopherHole: What about Georgia State?
Gregory Howell: It is a new program and I know that if I go up there, I’ll probably be going into a starting spot or starting by the end of the year. I can be a big impact on the team, knowing that it is a new and up-and-coming program that would be starting from my class and up to try and build something.
GopherHole: Minnesota is obviously the biggest offer of the four schools, BCS-wise. Is that something that appeals to you or doesn’t that matter much?
Gregory Howell: I liked it.
GopherHole: Do you know who you are picking yet or are you still thinking about it?
Gregory Howell: I know.
GopherHole: How long have you known?
Gregory Howell: It has been a growing thing for a little while. I had an idea of who I wanted, but now pulling the trigger and locking it in and knowing that I really wanted to go there.