The 2017 Howard Bison football team represented Howard University as a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) during the 2017 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Led by first-year head coach Mike London, the Bison compiled an overall record of 7–4 with a mark of 6–2, tying for second place in the MEAC. Howard played home games at William H. Greene Stadium in Washington, D.C.
The Bison opened the season by defeating UNLV, a 45-point favorite, in the biggest upset in college football history by point spread.
Schedule
Ranking movements
Game summaries At UNLV
The Bison opened their 2017 season on the road against Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent UNLV in Whitney, NV. Despite being a 45-point underdog to the Rebels, the Bison were able to leave Las Vegas with their first win over a Division I FBS opponent in the program's history. Following the win, media outlets immediately hailed it as the greatest upset in college football history against the spread.
In his collegiate debut, freshman quarterback Caylin Newton completed 15 of 26 passes for a total 190 yards; he threw 1 touchdown, a 1-yard pass in the 2nd quarter, and 1 interception. Newton was also able to display his abilities on the ground by leading in rushing yards with 21 carries, 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. Senior running back Anthony Phillyaw ran for 71 yards on s completions for 2 touchdowns. Phillyaw was also the top receiver with 3 receptions, 62 yards, 20.7 yards per reception.
At Kent State
After their first win over an FBS team in program history, the Bison were looking to make lightning strike two weeks in a row with a win over Kent State. Kent State's fourth quarter rally, and an interception by Kent State's Demetrius Monday gave the Golden Flashes the win. The Bison recorded 432 yards of total offense, including 226 yards passing and 206 yards Rushing. Quarterback Caliyn Newton threw 9 for 22 completions with a total 225 yards passing including 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Other standout performers include: Running Back Anthony Philyaw who ran for 147 yards rushing on 20 carries, including 1 touchdown and receiver Jequez Ezzard who recorded 120 yards.
Personnel Coaching staff 2017 Howard Bison coaching staffHead coach Head coach – Mike London
Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Brennan Marion Special teams coordinator/ running backs – Kenny Lucas Run game coordinator/ offensive line – Darryl Bullock Wide receivers – Mike London Jr. Halfback/Slot Wide Receivers – David Clowney
Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator/linebackers/assistant head coach – Vince Brown Co-defensive coordinator/Cornerbacks/recruiting coordinator – Chip West Safeties/Assistant Recruiting coordinator – Cato June Defensive line – Keenan Carter Defensive quality control – Ras-I Dowling Administrative staff Athletic Director (A.D.) – Kery Davis Director of football operations – Bryce Bevill
Roster 2017 Howard Bison Roster (Source)Wide receivers 1 Guy Lemonier Jr. – Senior 8 Antoine Murray – Freshman 12 Jequez Ezzard – Sophomore 13 Jordan Scott – Freshman 14 Evan Brooks – Junior 80 Damion Gillespie – Sophomore 81 Kyle Anthony – Sophomore 82 Tamlin Antoine – Freshman 83 Jaelin Ferdinand – Freshman 83 Chanse Pullen – Freshman 84 David Terrell, Jr. – Freshman 85 Justin Dooley – Freshman
Offensive line 61 Alec Damier – Sophomore 62 Branden Johnson – Freshman 63 Gerald Wright – Senior 65 Aaron Hutchins – Senior 67 Jordan Dunham – Senior 68 Demontre Buckson – Sophomore 70 Tyler Shadrach – Senior 73 James Holmon – Junior 75 Sean Smith – Sophomore 78 Phillip Flemming – Sophomore
Tight ends 53 Tyrone Ramsey – Sophomore 55 Howard Warren – Senior 87 Mason Jordan – Freshman
Fullbacks 4 Da'Vaun Johnson – Freshman Quarterbacks 2 Ramar Williams – Freshman 3 Caylin Newton – Freshman † 10 Jason Collins – Junior 15 Kalen Johnson – Senior 16 John Petricca – Sophomore
Running backs 7 Anthony Philyaw – Senior 11 Jordan Aley – Freshman 20 Dezmond Wortham – Graduate Student 22 Ricquaz Brannon – Junior 30 Quinton Hill – Freshman 33 Jamonne Williams – Freshman 44 Amir Lewis – Freshman 45 Jamal Francois II – Junior
Defensive line 50 Ken Larkin – Sophomore 90 James Newell – Freshman 92 Aaron Motley – Freshman 93 Mukuka Kusaba – Junior 96 Tyler Fuller – Sophomore 98 Saevon Dinkins – Freshman
Defensive ends 52 Richard Johnson – Senior 94 Isaiah Fludd – Junior 99 Tyree Leonard – Freshman
Punters/kickers 41 Isaiah Moore – Freshman 42 Dakota Lebofsky – Senior † Linebackers 19 Elijah Anglin – Senior 26 Dominique Smith – Junior 28 Marcellos Allison – Sophomore 31 David Lee – Senior 35 Devin Hurtado – Sophomore 38 David Hudson – Junior 40 Devin Rollins – Senior 46 Leon Fields II – Junior 47 Semaj Everett – Freshman 50 Brian Witter – Freshman 57 Matthew McGill – Freshman 58 Zuri Godfrey – Freshman 59 Garrett Reaves – Freshman
Defensive backs 6 Bryan Cook – Freshman 17 Tye Freeland – Freshman 18 Travon Hunt – Senior 21 Alonte Dunn – Senior 23 Ibrahim Conteh – Senior 24 Malcolm Johnson – Senior 25 Leland Lassiter – Senior 27 Aaron Walker – Freshman 29 Yoseff Banks – Senior 32 Merrick Sims – Sophomore 34 Jayson Robinson – Freshman 36 Taejuan Gray – Freshman 37 Charles Robinson – Junior 48 Jayson Heyward – Freshman 49 Dimitrius Hutcherson – Freshman † Starter at position * Injured; did not play in 2017.
Recruiting On National Signing Day, Howard signed 23 athletes out of high school for their 2017 recruiting class.
References