Howard was one of the team's most improved players during Spring drills...great athletic ability...can really run...loves to hit...among team leaders as a true freshman...listed at the top of the depth chart at the Bull linebacker position...solid player with middle linebacker skills and mentality...agile and mobile player with good strength and technique.

AT TECH -- (In 2008): Howard saw action in seven games as a true freshman at the Bull linebacker position...made 17 total tackles including two tackles-for-loss...had one quarterback sack...made four tackles at Louisville in his first collegiate action...had career-high six tackles in victory over Central Methodist, including a sack...had five tackles at Murray State.

HIGH SCHOOL: Howard led his Pearl-Cohn High School team to back-to-back region championships...two-time All-Metro and two-time Tennessee All-State selection...named the Region Defensive MVP twice...as a senior he piled up 178 total tackles with 35 tackles-for-loss, three interceptions and five fumbles caused...also had nine QB sacks and blocked three punts...for his career he had 390 total tackles with seven interceptions, 24 sacks and caused 11 fumbles.

PERSONAL: The son of Howard and Sharon Griffin...birthdate is February 18, 1990...full name is Howard Lee Griffin, Hr...majoring in business management.