Howard Signs With West Point
A Stephens County High School student-athlete will continue his academic and athletic careers at one of the nation’s military academies.
Wednesday, Indian senior A.J. Howard signed to attend and play football at West Point next year as an Army Black Knight.
Howard said he is overwhelmed by the honor of attending West Point.
“It has been a lifelong dream, something I have wanted to do since early in high school, middle school,” said Howard. “I am just really blessed to be able to stand here today and sign with West Point.”
He went on to say that it is a privilege to follow in the footsteps of those who have attended West Point in the past.
“It simply just shows what West Point is all about,” said Howard. “The tradition behind it, the duty, the honor, the respect. It is so many values that West Point has. I plan to continue that pathway.”
On the field, Howard said he expects to line up as a running back.
Off the field, he said he is interested in going to a field like military intelligence or the military police.
Stephens County High School Head Football Coach Frank Barden said this is well-deserved for A.J.
“He is an awesome young man and it is such an honor to get to go to one of the academies, at this point going to West Point,” said Barden. “It is like his recruiter told him that it is 48 Saturdays to play, but the opportunity he has beyond is just so much for him, his family, our country, our school. Speaking on behalf of our school, it is a great honor for us to have him, along with some of the others that have attended the academies and are at the academy now. We are just awful proud of not only A.J., but our school and our community. It is really good to be a part of something really good.”
Howard said he appreciates all of the support from his family and friends over the years.
He was nominated for West Point by 9th District U.S. Representative Doug Collins.
In a statement, Collins said it was an honor to nominate Howard and to hear the good news of his offer.
Collins went on to say that he has no doubt that A.J. will make northeast Georgia proud.
Besides football, Howard also participated in JROTC, serving as a Senior Leader.
A.J. is the son of Avero Howard and Uganda Burton.