Howard Defense Could Help Hustlin’ Tigers Enjoy a Special Season

Chattanooga-(WDEF-TV) Howard is hoping to bounce back this season from last year’s disappointing 4-6 record, and it appears the Hustlin’ Tigers might have the defense that could carry them to a bunch of victories this fall.

In head coach John Starr’s second season at Howard last year, it almost felt like he was starting a new program.
Said Starr:”While we were talented, we were young and inexperienced. We only had six kids that had ever been in a high school game going into the season.”
Added running back Davontay Smith:”When you’ve got new guys and stuff, mistakes come with that. When games get tight, you can see it.”
Starr tinkered with the offense last year, trying to whip up a bigger passing game.
Said Starr:”We struggled offensively. We tried to change our identity a little bit getting a little bit more modern throwing the ball around like everybody else did, but that’s not who we are. We’re built to be a run, tough team running between the tackles. That’s who we are, and that’s who we are going to focus on being.”
But the Hustlin’ Tigers identity this fall might be their defense.
Said Starr:”We got all eleven back from last year. We’ve got eleven cats back from last year. Probably look a little different than most Howard teams. We’re not real big like we have been in the past, but we are probably more physical and fast. We’re faster and a lot more physical than we have been in the past. I’ve been like ranting and raving to be honest with you about our defense. I’m excited to watch them play.”
Howard hopes their aggressive defense and physical ground game will lead to their first winning record since 2010.
Said Starr:”That’s the biggest thing. Can we stay focused on our jobs for 48 minutes. That’s going to be the big key for us.”
Said Smith:”It’s not always about the speed and the strength. It’s about who is going to do what for each other. At the end of the day, if I know he’s got my back, and I’ve got his back, at the end of the day, we are going to get some good results. We know everybody will be on one page.”