Howard's Future On Line

[ChiTownBull]

http://www.tbo.com/sports/bulls/MGB5EEN7RWE.html

TAMPA - This afternoon freshman point guard Chris Howard will make perhaps the most important drive of his University of South Florida career. Howard and assistant Frank Burnell will drive to Gainesville to meet with University of Florida team doctor Peter Indelicato.

Less than two weeks before last year's season opener, Howard tore the ACL in his left knee and missed the entire season. On June 29, Howard tore the ACL again and it was feared he would miss a second consecutive season.

"I never reached the point of wanting to give up, even if I'm 99 years old," Howard said. "I love the game too much to let it go, especially if my return is determined on how hard I work to get back."

Howard could be back tonight when the Bulls (9-7, 0-2 Big East) host Louisville (10-5, 0-1) if his knee passes the necessary strength tests by Indelicato, one of the nation's top orthopedic surgeons who performed the second surgery.

While the drive to Gainesville and back will be a short one, it's nothing like the journey Howard underwent to return this season.

"To work so hard to come back the first time and have it tear again, a lot of people would have given up," Burnell said. "He's had some bad days like anyone, but for the most part he's been strong about it.

"I don't think a lot of folks know how good he is. He has a whole lot of qualities we are so dearly in need of - his leadership, his decision making. A whole lot of things we need."

For inspiration, USF coach Robert McCullum and his assistants gave Howard articles on other athletes who returned from ACL injuries, including NFL players Frank Gore and Carson Palmer.

"Soon as I found out [about the second tear], Coach Mac was like you have to put your hard hat on," Howard said. "The coaches said it's not impossible. They never let me slip."

If cleared by Indelicato, tonight will be Howard's first game since winning the state championship in 2004 as a senior at Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Md.

Howard's playing time will be limited early on.

"It will take time for me to get back in the flow," he said. "I've been hungry and patient and I'm just waiting for a chance to hear a referee's whistle. When that comes, it will be very exciting.

"My main thing is to stay focused, stay level headed. Everyone should be excited for their first college game."

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

[BullDoug]

Best wishes and prayers of healing to Chris Howard.

[bullman3]

I hope he makes it back.  Has to be hard to come back from two torn ACLs.  Good luck, Howard.

[Velcro]

Good luck Chris... We hope your knee is 100% and causes you no more problems.  Hopefully all your hard work and rehab pays off with your first collegiate game tonight.

[bulls96go]

stay well, stay healthy!