Coral Gables High School football star Gregory Howell will be moving on to college next year to play football. In early January, Howell was still making up his mind between Florida Atlantic University and Western Kentucky.
The star running back was leaning toward one because the coaches promised that he would be put into the rotation as a freshman, instead of having to wait to play.
Although playing football will be important for Howell, he also is looking to academics. He plans to major in business, finance or accounting so he has the knowledge he needs for after his football career.
This year, Howell ran for 1,532 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. The team went 11-2 and made it to the third round of the playoffs before losing to the eventual state champions, South Dade. Just a couple of weeks ago he played for Miami-Dade County against Broward County in the Dolphins All Star Football Game.
Football may be over but Howell’s athletic career is not finished at Gables. He is on the track team where he runs the 100, relays and participates in the shot put and discus events.
Howell always has loved football and played in Pop Warner League as a kid, starting when he was 6. Now, he gives back by helping other kids who are playing.
“Just mentoring little kids and showing them things that would help them compete,” he said. “And then helping out family members who work at parks.”
He likes working with the kids.
“Just to see them learn, progress and see that they are being taught something that they enjoy,” he said.
Howell is involved in the student activities program at Gables and he is in the 5,000 Role Models Club.
“I’m the leader of the club at my school,” he said. “I keep all the guys on point. Basically, make sure they are doing what is right and out of trouble and keeping ready for what we have coming up.”
— By Linda Rodriguez Bernfeld
