NOTE: The following appeared in The Sporting News college football awards in the December 16, 1991 issue.
CAREER CAPITAL: In just two seasons, Howard has approached or surpassed virtually every record held by former Michigan recordist Anthony Carter. Howard, a 5-foot-9, 175-pound junior from Cleveland, has had more than 100 yards of versatility in 19 of the Wolverines’ past 22 games, including the last. He averages 17.6 yards per touchdown and sets an NCAA record for touchdowns in 10 consecutive games. Howard teamed up with quarterback Elvis Grbac, who played on the same high school team at Cleveland St. Joseph – for another NCAA record with 31 TDs, the most by any quarterback recipient combination. Howard’s 19 TD receptions this season is a single-season record for Michigan and the Big Ten and second in NCAA history after Houston’s 22 captures of Manny Hazard in 1989. Howard’s career totaled TDs ( 37), reception (133) and return (1,488) ranked second in school history behind Carter, who started four seasons.
THAN: Strike a Pose: Recall ‘Hello, Heisman!’ By Desmond Howard! moment
FOCUS ON ’91: Simply, the Howard is the most dramatic, deadly, and versatile offensive weapon in Michigan history. Despite regularly defending two teams, he remains a factor in every game. He made his mark early with four touches in the opener against Boston College, including the second leg at 93 yards. And he made his mark regularly, scoring at least two touchdowns in his first eight games. But Howard made his most indelible impression on September 14 against Notre Dame, when he established himself as Heisman’s favorite with a 4th down touch that sealed a 24-14 victory. Michigan. A month later, in a 45-28 win over Michigan State, Howard caught his highest eight passes of the season for 101 yards and two TDs. During the season, he had 61 catches from 950 yards and scored 23 TDs. “He’s a better player than Rocket Ismail,” said Michigan State fullback Alan Haller, comparing Howard to 1990’s Heisman from Notre Dame. “I’ve played both of them and Howard can do more on the field than Rocket. He can catch, and he’s a saver.”
SEE: Howard has been at Michigan for four years – he was converted back in 1988 – and will graduate in May. Despite his steadfast assertions to the contrary, he is tipped to turn professional and possibly an early pick mid-round one. “Now, I’ll definitely be back.” Howard said. “I love playing for Coach (Gary) Moeller. He doesn’t mind pitching. I like that.”
LAST WORDS: Howard seemed certain to become Michigan’s second Heisman winner (running against Tom Harmon who won it in 1940). However, Howard remains humble rather than arrogant. “Certainly, every player dreams of Heisman,” he said. “But I’m not materialistic. At the beginning of the season, I wrote that my goal is to be the best player I can be. If I’m materialistic, I’ll write, ‘Win. the Heisman.'”
Footnote: Howard was selected by Washington in the first round, fourth overall, in the 1992 NFL Draft.
