Chattanooga Times Free Press

Howard

BY PATRICK MACCOON / pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com

Head coach: Dedric Maffett (0-8 here and overall)

Returning starters: 4 offensive; 6 defensive

Last year’s record: 0-8 overall, did not qualify for Class 5A playoffs

Key players: Roy Miles Jr. (6-2, 240) Sr. OL/DL, Myles Houston (6-3, 290) Sr. OL/DL, Tariq Morris (5-6, 145) Sr. WR/DB, Christian Holland (6-0, 150) Sr. QB/

DB, Tragontae Lewis

(5-6, 150) So. RB/DB, Ontarrious Woodruff (6-2,

240) Sr. FB/DL, Jurshaun Torrey (5-10, 200) Sr.

OL/LB

Season outlook: The defensive line for the Hustlin’ Tigers was one of the best in Region 4-5A last year and should be a strength again this fall with the trio of Houston, Miles and Woodruff.

Miles is a member of the 500pound squat club, and Houston, who has proven himself on the offensive line the past three seasons, will add defensive line to his workload. Woodruff was the co-lineman of the year in the region last season.

“We work hard every day and try to set a standard,” Miles said. “Whether it is in the weight room or on the field, you never know what young guys may be watching you. It’s important for all of our seniors to be leaders and lead the way. We are trying to pass something down for future teams to build on.”

The Hustlin’ Tigers are excited about their offense, which has adjusted well to new schemes this preseason as Holland makes the transition from receiver to quarterback. He is an explosive runner and a member of the school’s 4x100-meter relay team in track along with Morris, a Chattanooga native who will be playing his first season at Howard after moving back from Florida. Morris can run the 40-yard dash on the low end of 4.4 seconds, his coaches said.

Lewis gained valuable experience last season and will be a key weapon running behind Houston, who is receiving heavy college interest with his size and speed.

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