Academic All-Mountain West ILB with Elite Intensity and Special Teams Grit
Dakota Howell, a 5'11", 220-lb sophomore ILB for Utah State, earned Academic All-Mountain West honors in 2025 after playing all 13 games as a freshman, primarily on special teams where he posted 4 tackles and 0.5 sacks. His differentiators include relentless intensity, a walk-on mentality that fuels his special teams dominance, and a sharp football IQ that balances his physical play. Though his tackle stats are modest (2 solo), his 0.5 sacks and QB hurry against Nevada reveal explosive timing and tackling precision. No injury history is reported, and his personality blends academic discipline with locker-room energy. He’s a high-fit linebacker for teams needing a smart, intense, special teams-first player who can develop into a core defensive contributor. Care about him because he’s the definition of a grinder who turns opportunity into impact.
