Interview: 2021 Texas CB/DB Darius Howard Covers Offseason Workouts
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2021 cornerback/defensive back Darius Howard has it all. The Benjamin Davis High School standout has size (6-0, 180), speed, determination, and has done it against the best of the best – 6A Texas competition. Word of Howard’s talents on the field are starting to spread beyond the Lone Star State borders and up the Division I ranks.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with the Houston area talent covering his play in the Falcons’ secondary during the 2019 season with a look at his offseason workouts.
Interview
Darius, 6A Texas football features elite talent across the board, especially in Houston. For those out there who may be unfamiliar with that classification of football, what is 6A Texas football like?
“Man, 6A Texas football is different. It is unlike any other high school football in the nation. You have to be 100 percent for each game. You have to know your assignments and be full-tilt on every play. There is nothing else like it. I feel that is where the best players come from each year.”
You were all over the Falcons secondary last season playing corner and safety. What were your roles within the defensive schemes?
“This year, we had a new coach, he was trying to feel us out. I was playing more of a rover role and I played some outside linebacker as well. As a safety, I was ball-hawking in Cover 4 and Cover 2. Playing corner, I was sitting on short routes because of Cover 2. I had a lot of run responsibilities, that is why I got a lot of forced fumbles and fumble recoveries last season. My role varied depending on who we played. I was versatile within the defense and helped out a lot.”
This was kind of covered already, but which coverages did you guys run in 2019 besides 2 and 4?
“Cover 2 and 4, are our base defense coverages. We ran a Cover 8 sometimes. Against Westfield – they are very-very good, you have to adjust your defense. We did some Cover 3 and 6. I was in the box a little bit for those. It depends on the team, but mostly we ran Cover 2 and 4.”
All players face a challenge during the season. What was one challenge you faced?
“This season was not a good one for our team, we were 3-7. Being positive was a challenge. I try to be a vocal leader and lead by example. I try to be the energy for my team and I try to be a great leader; that was tough at times. At the same time, that allowed me to see that I need to play even better to help others bring up their energy.”
In which ways did you see your game improve throughout the 2019 season?
“Everything was starting to make sense and slow down. Now that I am familiar with my coach’s defense, I can do more. We can make a run this year. We all know each other, we know what we can do, and we expect a lot from each other. I am playing my role and will play it at a high level this season.”
Are you taking on any new roles in 2020?
“In 2020, I am the starting safety. I will play some corner and be our starting nickelback as needed. I will not play as much outside linebacker this year; that was a personnel thing. I will be on special teams, on kickoff and punt return, but not in return roles.”
Which areas of your game are you working on this winter?
“This offseason I am working on my technique. I am making sure everything is 100 percent. At safety, I am working on being patient and my reads. I am working on getting stronger and faster. I am making sure I am ready to go for the season. I am doing a track workout to improve my speed, 40 time, and form.”
Are you competing in other sports?
“Football and golf. I am good at golf.”
What is your handicap on the course?
“In our last tournament on Thursday, I shot 11 over par.”
Nice. Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Stephen F. Austin, Southern University, Nevada, Air force, Incarnate Word, Texas Tech, Harvard, and I have talked to Florida a little bit.”
Over the last few months, have you taken any unofficial visits?
“Yes, sir. I went to a Southern Junior Day and a Stephen F. Austin Junior Day. I have been to Southern multiple times. I’ve also been to Florida and Prairie View.”
What did you do during the Florida visit?
“I met with Coach (Torrian) Gray (CB), toured their facilities and locker room, and I put on the uniform.”
And the Southern visits, how have those gone?
“Southern being in Baton Rouge, they have a vibrate campus with a lot of energy. I have a good relationship with their coaches. They are more than coaches; they help beyond football. The university is a good one. I am interested in their program and everything they have going on.”
Looking ahead, do you have any planned visits you may take?
“We have visits planned for an Air Force Junior Day and planned trips to Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe.”
This offseason, are you playing on a 7v7 travel team?
“Yes. I am playing with Texas Team Elite.”
The team is in Vegas this weekend for a tournament, how did the tournament go?
“It was our first tournament; we didn’t win but we got better. Going into the next one we will be a contender to win.”
How did the tournament go for you personally?
“I did really well. This is my second year playing 7v7. I look at my technique, I did well. I covered really good receivers and I held my own. I proved why I should be recruited.”
Going into the classroom, how is that part of your high school career going?
“I’m in the Top 8 percent of my class with a 3.84 GPA. I am taking honors classes, a dual-credit course, and an online college class in addition to all my other school work. I take academics seriously. That will be included in my decision as well. I enjoy talking about academics.”
Darius, it was great spending time with you today covering everything. Wishing you success with the rest of your offseason workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Howard family; Darius Howard at Florida and ULL