Return specialist Howell dismissed by Gophers

Star Tribune

Last update: May 28, 2008 - 12:57 AM

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Gophers football coach Tim Brewster was effusive in his praise of return specialist Harold Howell on national signing day last year. Brewster promised big things from the speedy Florida product, calling Howell "one of the most electrifying high school football players I have ever seen."

Brewster dismissed Howell from the program Tuesday after one rocky season. The school announced the dismissal in a three-sentence release, saying Howell violated "academic and team guidelines."

A school spokesperson said Brewster had no further comment. A person who answered Howell's home phone hung up without comment.

Howell didn't come close to living up to Brewster's hype as a true freshman. He had fumble problems -- including a critical one late in the Wisconsin game -- and showed no signs of being able to break tackles. Howell averaged 23.1 yards on 30 kickoff returns and only 4.8 yards on 15 punt returns. He did not catch a pass as a backup wide receiver. He also missed the Northwestern game while dealing with a family issue in Florida. Howell admitted last fall that his grades in high school caused most recruiters to pass. Howell had no other scholarship offers and committed to the Gophers a few days before signing day.

Brewster moved the diminutive Howell (5-8, 160 pounds) to cornerback this spring. Brewster also acknowledged this spring that he probably put too many expectations on Howell, hoping to build his confidence.

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