
Undersized Speed Demon DB Commit for Gophers
Harold Howell, a 5-8, 160-lb dynamo from Jacksonville's Mandarin HS, brings elite track speed (10.80s 100m in 2006) to Minnesota's secondary as a versatile athlete-turned-DB, excelling in coverage with quick-twitch bursts and ball skills that make him a pesky slot defender.[1][2][4][5] His compact frame fuels relentless intensity and physicality beyond his size, perfect for Big Ten nickel roles—ideal if your team needs a high-motor playmaker who thrives in man coverage without injury red flags. Watch for breakout potential in 2026.[6]