2017 Howard Bison football team

American college football season

2017 Howard Bison football
ConferenceMid-Eastern Athletic Conference
Record7–4 (6–2 MEAC)
Head coach
  • Mike London (1st season)
Offensive coordinatorBrennan Marion (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinatorVince Brown (1st season)
Co-defensive coordinatorChip West (1st season)
Home stadiumWilliam H. Greene Stadium
Seasons
← 2016
2018 →
2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football standings
  • v
  • t
  • e
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
No. 7 North Carolina A&T $   8 0     12 0  
Howard   6 2     7 4  
Bethune–Cookman   6 2     7 4  
North Carolina Central   5 3     7 4  
Hampton   5 3     6 5  
Norfolk State   4 4     4 7  
Savannah State *   3 5     3 8  
South Carolina State   2 6     3 7  
Florida A&M *   2 6     3 8  
Delaware State   2 6     2 9  
Morgan State *   1 7     1 10  
  • $ – Conference champion
  • * Florida A&M, Morgan State and Savannah State ineligible for postseason due to APR violations
Rankings from STATS Poll

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.[1]

Schedule

DateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendance
September 29:00 p.m.at UNLV*StadiumW 43–4015,667
September 93:30 p.m.at Kent State*ESPN3L 31–3820,312
September 162:00 p.m.at No. 8 Richmond*CSN MA+L 21–688,217
September 231:00 p.m.Bethune–CookmanWHBCW 26–242,217
October 71:00 p.m.North Carolina Central
  • William H. Greene Stadium
  • Washington, DC
WHBCL 7–131,532
October 142:00 p.m.at Delaware State
WDSU-TVW 52–233,337
October 211:00 p.m.Morgan Statedagger
  • William H. Greene Stadium
  • Washington, DC (rivalry)
SPORTSfever TV, ESPN3W 39–142,700
October 281:30 p.m.at South Carolina StateFloFootballW 28–2015,096
November 44:00 p.m.at Florida A&MRVW 37–2617,234
November 111:00 p.m.Norfolk State
  • William H. Greene Stadium
  • Washington, D.C.
WHBCW 28–241,678
November 181:00 p.m.at HamptonL 17–208,142
  • *Non-conference game
  • daggerHomecoming
  • Rankings from STATS Poll released prior to the game
  • All times are in Eastern time

[2][3]

Ranking movements

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre12345678910111213Final
STATSRVRVRVRVRVRVRVRVRVNot released
Coaches
BoxToRow Media Poll and Coaches Poll (BTR)658561098665

Game summaries

At UNLV

Howard at UNLV
1 234Total
Bison 7 14715 43
Rebels 6 14137 40
  • Date: September 2, 2017
  • Location:
    Sam Boyd Stadium
    Whitney, NV
  • Game start: 9:06 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:29
  • Game attendance: 15,667
  • Game weather: Temperature: 108 °F (42 °C), Wind: 5 mph ESE, Weather: Clear/Hot
  • Referee: Vidal Jones
  • TV announcers (Stadium): Tony Cordasco and Joe Arrigo
Scoring summary
113:26HowardCaylin Newton 52-yard touchdown run (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 5 plays, 74 yards, 1:347–0
111:23UNLVEvan Pantels 44-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 18 yards, 1:577–3
105:36UNLVEvan Pantels 28-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 36 yards, 2:177–6
212:56HowardKyle Anthony 1-yard pass from Caylin Newton (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 4:1414–6
209:14UNLVEvan Pantels 26-yard field goal, Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:3914–9
205:56HowardDevin Rollins 75 yard fumble recovery (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 4 plays, 43 yards, 1:1221–9
201:27UNLVLexington Thomas 1-yard run (Evan Pantels kick), Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:2421–16
200:00UNLVEvan Pantels 30-yard field goal, Drive: 5 plays, 54 yards, 0:4921–19
312:20UNLVDevonte Boyd 25-yard pass from Armani Rodgers (Evan Pantels kick), Drive: 1 play, 25 yards, 0:0821–26
306:45UNLVCharles William 1-yard run (Evan Pantels kick), Drive: 5 plays, 53 yards, 2:2121–33
301:17HowardAnthony Phillyaw 1-yard run (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 5:3228–33
414:09HowardAnthony Phillyaw 11-yard run (Caylin Newton Run for two-point conv.), Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 2:0436–33
410:12UNLVLexington Thomas 3-yard (Evan Pantels kick), Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:5736–40
407:34HowardCaylin Newton 4-yard run (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 2:3243–40

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.[4][5] Following the win, media outlets immediately hailed it as the greatest upset in college football history against the spread.[1][6]

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.[4][7]

At Kent State

Howard at Kent State
1 234Total
Bison 7 7107 31
Golden Flashes 14 7215 38
  • Date: September 9, 2017
  • Location:
    Dix Stadium
    Kent, OH
  • Game start: 3:35 p.m. EDT
  • Elapsed time: 3:47
  • Game attendance: 20,312
  • Game weather: Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C), Wind: 8 mph NNE, Weather: Partly Cloudy
  • Referee: Matt Packowski
  • TV announcers (ESPN3): Michael Reghi and Jerod Cherry
Scoring summary
113:34Kent StateNick Holley 38-yard run (Shane Hynes kick), Drive: 1 play, 38 yards, 0:100–7
109:29Kent StateJustin Rankin 25-yard pass from Nick Holley (Shane Hynes kick), Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:270–14
108:33HowardKyle Anthony 16-yard pass from Caylin Newton (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 3 plays, 77 yards, 0:497–14
212:12Kent StateRaekwon James 25-yard pass from Nick Holley (Shane Hynes kick), Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 4:347–21
202:05HowardAnthony Philyaw 75-yard run (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 2 plays, 97 yards, 0:3614–21
309:52HowardDakota Lebofsky 23-yard field goal, Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:5417–21
306:15Kent StateTeam Safety, Drive: 7 plays, −5 yards, 2:0917–23
302:09HowardCaylin Newton 1-yard run (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 3:3724–23
412:35Kent StateKesean Gamble 1-yard run (Nick Holley Run for two-point conv.), Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:2124–31
405:56Kent StateKesean Gamble 3-yard run (Nick Holley Run for two-point conv.), Drive: 9 plays, 34 yards, 4:5624–38
403:16HowardCaylin Newton 4-yard run (Dakota Lebofsky kick), Drive: 9 plays, 79 yards, 2:3631–38

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.[8] 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.[8][9]

Personnel

Coaching staff

2017 Howard Bison coaching staff

Head coach

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
 

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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt Senior
  • 67 Jordan Dunham – Redshirt Senior
  • 68 Demontre Buckson – Sophomore
  • 70 Tyler Shadrach – Senior
  • 73 James Holmon – Redshirt Junior
  • 75 Sean Smith – Sophomore
  • 78 Phillip Flemming – Sophomore

Tight ends

  • 53 Tyrone Ramsey – Redshirt Sophomore
  • 55 Howard Warren – Redshirt Senior
  • 87 Mason Jordan – Freshman

Fullbacks

  • 4 Da'Vaun Johnson – Freshman
 

Quarterbacks

  • 2 Ramar Williams – Freshman
  • 3 Caylin Newton – Freshman
  • 10 Jason Collins – Redshirt Junior
  • 15 Kalen Johnson – Senior
  • 16 John Petricca – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt Junior
  • 28 Marcellos Allison – Sophomore
  • 31 David Lee – Senior
  • 35 Devin Hurtado – Redshirt Sophomore
  • 38 David Hudson – Junior
  • 40 Devin Rollins – Redshirt 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 – Redshirt Senior
  • 21 Alonte Dunn – Senior
  • 23 Ibrahim Conteh – Senior
  • 24 Malcolm Johnson – Senior
  • 25 Leland Lassiter – Redshirt Senior
  • 27 Aaron Walker – Freshman
  • 29 Yoseff Banks – Senior
  • 32 Merrick Sims – Sophomore
  • 34 Jayson Robinson – Freshman
  • 36 Taejuan Gray – Freshman
  • 37 Charles Robinson – Redshirt 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.[10]

US college sports recruiting information for 2017 recruits
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Jordan Aley
RB
King George, VA King George HS 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) 160 lb (73 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Bryan Cook
CB
Mount Healthy, OH Mount Healthy 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 165 lb (75 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Saevon Dinkins
OL
Waldorf, MD St. Charles HS 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 265 lb (120 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Justin Dooley
WR
Lee's Summit, MO Lee's Summit West HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Samaj Everett
LB
Paramus, NJ Paramus Catholic 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Jaelin Ferdinand
WR
Madison, AL Madison Academy 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg)  
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Tye Freeland
S
Dinwiddie, VA Dinwiddie HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 175 lb (79 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Taejon Gray
CB
Waldorf, MD Thomas Stone HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Quinton Hill
RB
Jefferson Hills, PA Thomas Jefferson HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 200 lb (91 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Malik Hyatt
TE
Gastonia, NC Ashbrook HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Branden Johnson
C
Olney, MD Our Lady of Good Counsel 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 285 lb (129 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Malcolm Johnson
S
Springdale, MD Charles H. Flowers HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 160 lb (73 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Tyree Leonard
RB
Jonesboro, GA Mount Zion HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Aaron Motley
DE
Highland Springs, VA Highland Springs HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 243 lb (110 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Antoine Murray
WR
Miramar, FL Miramar HS 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Caylin Newton
QB
Atlanta, GA Grady HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 185 lb (84 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
James Newell
DE
Akron, OH Buchtel HS 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 245 lb (111 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Jayson Robinson
CB
Sterling, VA Dominion HS 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 160 lb (73 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Jordan Scott
ATH
Montvale, NJ St. Joseph Regional HS 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) 163 lb (74 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
David Terrell Jr.
WR
Wilmette, IL Loyola Academy HS 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 180 lb (82 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Aaron Walker
S
Washington, D.C. Friendship 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 195 lb (88 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Jamonne Williams
S
DeSoto, TX DeSoto HS 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 178 lb (81 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Brian Witter
LB
Miramar, FL Miramar HS 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 220 lb (100 kg) Feb 1, 2017 
Recruiting star ratings: ScoutN/A   RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "2017 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 9, 2017.

References

  1. ^ a b Thompson, Chris (September 3, 2017). "Cam Newton's Brother Led The Largest Point-Spread Upset In College Football History". deadspin.com. Deadspin. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  2. ^ "Howard Bison Schedule 2017". ESPN. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  3. ^ "2017 Football Schedule". Howard University Bison. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "Howard vs. UNLV – Game Recap – September 2, 2017 – ESPN". ESPN.com. ESPN. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  5. ^ Kirshner, Alex (September 3, 2017). "Cam Newton's little brother just led the biggest Vegas upset in college football history". sbnation.com. SB Nation. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
  6. ^ Bromberg, Nick (September 3, 2017). "Howard's win over UNLV is biggest upset vs. spread in college football history". sports.yahoo.com. Yahoo Sports. Retrieved September 3, 2017.
  7. ^ "Howard vs UNLV – Box Score". www.hubison.com. Howard University Athletics. Retrieved October 19, 2017.
  8. ^ a b "Howard vs. Kent State – Game Recap – September 9, 2017 – ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  9. ^ "Howard vs Kent State – Box Score". www.hubison.com. Howard University Athletics. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  10. ^ "Howard Inks 23 on National Signing Day". Howard University Athletics. Retrieved October 4, 2017.
  • v
  • t
  • e
Howard Bison football
Venues
Bowls & rivalries
People
Seasons
  • 1893
  • 1894
  • 1895
  • 1896
  • 1897
  • 1898
  • 1899
  • 1900
  • 1901
  • 1902
  • 1903
  • 1904
  • 1905
  • 1906
  • 1907
  • 1908
  • 1909
  • 1910
  • 1911
  • 1912
  • 1913
  • 1914
  • 1915
  • 1916
  • 1917
  • 1918
  • 1919
  • 1920
  • 1921
  • 1922
  • 1923
  • 1924
  • 1925
  • 1926
  • 1927
  • 1928
  • 1929
  • 1930
  • 1931
  • 1932
  • 1933
  • 1934
  • 1935
  • 1936
  • 1937
  • 1938
  • 1939
  • 1940
  • 1941
  • 1942
  • 1943
  • 1944
  • 1945
  • 1946
  • 1947
  • 1948
  • 1949
  • 1950
  • 1951
  • 1952
  • 1953
  • 1954
  • 1955
  • 1956
  • 1957
  • 1958
  • 1959
  • 1960
  • 1961
  • 1962
  • 1963
  • 1964
  • 1965
  • 1966
  • 1967
  • 1968
  • 1969
  • 1970
  • 1971
  • 1972
  • 1973
  • 1974
  • 1975
  • 1976
  • 1977
  • 1978
  • 1979
  • 1980
  • 1981
  • 1982
  • 1983
  • 1984
  • 1985
  • 1986
  • 1987
  • 1988
  • 1989
  • 1990
  • 1991
  • 1992
  • 1993
  • 1994
  • 1995
  • 1996
  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 1999
  • 2000
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2004
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2008
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2015
  • 2016
  • 2017
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
National championship seasons in bold