Freshman running back Jazontae Howard sat through class on a Thursday,  like he would any week. Time moving slow, anticipation building. He strolled over to the locker room, a walk that is all too familiar from weeks and weeks of practice. He threw on his shoulder pads, laced up his cleats, and went through his normal routine. But on this day, there was a different feel.

While Howard has played many games before, this was different. Instead of running on to Frank M. Lindsay field with the tedious approach of practice, he ran out next to his brothers in battle. He did not have to stare at empty seats; his eyes were met with a sea of Big Blue supporters. Across the field wasn’t his teammates on defense, it was the opposing Greenville College. This was his first college game day.

Though not listed as the starter, Howard knew his number would be called at some point in the game. He watched the Big Blue football team string together solid performances on both sides of the ball. Finally it was his turn. Number 26 ran out onto the field ready to get his first taste of football at the college level.

The scoreboard read 7-0 at this point. Quarterback Nicco Stepina took the snap and tossed the ball to Howard behind the line of scrimmage. Once the ball was caught, the running back had to do his job. He made two tacklers miss and began sprinting up field. Before he knew it, there was only one man to beat. He got hit and started to fall. On the way down he extended his arms. While on the ground he glanced up in time to see the referee signaling a touchdown.

“The feeling was surreal,” Howard said.  My heart was racing and I just felt an overwhelming force of joy come over me. It was one of the best feelings ever.”

It is easy for the 5’6” Howard to get lost out on the field. But, as seen in professional football, players of smaller stature can sometimes find success. The biggest example is the quick and shifty Darren Sproles. That is what Howard looks like on the field.

While his size causes people to underestimate him, Howard never lets that get him down. He sees it as an opportunity to rise above expectations. It isn’t an easy road to travel. His teammate throughout high school and now at Millikin, Israel Smith, has taken notice.

“Jazontae is an outstanding running back capable of executing big plays and making sacrifices for his team to succeed,” Smith said. “He will always give 110 percent.”

Transitioning to football at the college level is one thing, but adjusting to the class load is a whole different animal. Balancing the next level academics with the rigorous athletic schedule takes a certain level of time management. It wasn’t easy for Howard to do, but with the help of his coaches, he was able to find the right balance.

Football may be the reason Howard is at Millikin, but it is the academics that keep him around. The fact that his coaches help in both aspects of his college career is a huge boost on and off the field. They ensure his success as a football player and a person.

He is looking to remain successful not only for the remainder of the season, but for the rest of his college career. With the impact he has made on the team already in just a few weeks, it is highly likely that you’ll be hearing his name called a lot.

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t experience the freedoms of college. Howard is able to sink or swim on his own, but with the guidance of his coaches. After all, that is what they are there for. But it is the guided freedom that is appealing.

“[The coaches] treat us like men. Millikin Men.” Howard said.