By William Qualkinbush.

D.J. Howard’s story looks familiar.

A senior at running back looking to make a name for himself as part of a slew of similarly-talented players, named the starter after the spring and hanging onto the job by a thread, fueled by the desperation associated with being right at the end of his career—the story writes itself.

In fact, it is the same story Roderick McDowell wrote last season en route to rushing for more than 1,000 yards and being a part of a prolific offense as the lead back. During August camp a year ago, he was an unassuming senior with an unimpressive resume and the unexpected honor of being the starter.

Howard finds himself in McDowell’s shoes and has no plans to squander such an opportunity.

“It means more to me,” Howard said. “This is my last hoorah. This is it. It’s all or nothing this year, nothing to lose.”

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While McDowell was running for 1,025 yards and five touchdowns in 2013, Howard was used sparingly. He ranked second on the roster among tailbacks with 57 carries, less than one-third of the number of rushes McDowell received over the course of the season. What was a committee approach became a feature-back situation because of McDowell’s drive and determination.

Fast forward to the present and Howard is doing his best to follow McDowell’s lead. But like last year’s lead back, Howard is seen largely as a temporary placeholder in the starting role until a younger player takes his place.

The sense of finality that propelled McDowell at the end of his career is now doing the same thing for Howard, and it shows up in his conversations with reporters. He is passionate and purposed, and he considers himself a leader among his peers in that regard.

“We can’t do anything but show up every day, strap our cleats up, and go to work,” he said of the running back group. “We have to maintain a positive image and be positive role models to other guys.”

Howard is facing stiff competition from all corners of the meeting room. There are other veterans like C.J. Davidson and Zac Brooks. There are redshirted studs like Wayne Gallman. Now, newcomers Adam Choice and C.J. Fuller are vying for snaps.

But Howard says the competition is good, even when it threatens his chance to start in his final shot to do so.

“We sharpen each other,” Howard said. “There’s no negative energy with us. We’re going to push each other to the greatest limits.”
In 2013, McDowell set a course for his football season that conflicted with the conventional wisdom that pervaded the fans and media. Now Howard, full of energy and enthusiasm, has set out to do the same.

“Everything in the past is behind me,” he said. “I’m looking forward and I’m ready to go get it now.”