The Johnstown paper checks in on their local product, LaRod Stephens-Howling.
Pitt coach Dave Wannstedt wanted to use the freshman’s blazing speed and athleticism, two traits sorely lacking on the Pitt offense last season, and the Greater Johnstown High School graduate contributed a great deal when he wasn’t injured. He missed two full games and parts of others.
“We’d like him to play an even bigger role this season,” Wannstedt said.
Strangely, Stephens didn’t think he had that bad of a season staying healthy. He does have other goals.
Stephens-Howling and Collins need to stay healthy until the other players gain experience. And for the slightly-built Stephens-Howling, listed at 5-foot-7, 165 pounds, it’s going to be tough.
“I think I held up pretty good,” Stephens-Howling said. “One of the big questions for me was my pass-blocking, but I think I did a pretty good job at it. So, I just kept working hard in the weight room in the offseason to help out my pass-blocking and maybe get a little more power when I’m running.”
Stephens-Howling also said he expected to remain the top kick-returner. Injuries held him to just five returns, but he ran one back 95 yards for a touchdown against Ohio University. He also caught nine passes for 41 yards, but did not reach the end zone. His only score was the kickoff return.
“I think about it a lot when I’m in the weight room,” Stephens-Howling said. “I want to get a lot stronger and get more power, so I can finish my runs. That motivates me to keep working harder because I haven’t gotten into the end zone. I put on 10 pounds since the season, but I’ve gotten stronger. It’s not really about gaining more weight.”
Kevin Collier is all but presumed to grab the starting job, but Stephens as a change of pace and bouncing it outside is an enticing possibility to share time. Not to mention the general health for Pitt RBs the last few years has been spotty — possibly related to getting no blocking on their runs and having to absorb a lot of contact.
The article has some “between-the-lines” stuff on Stephens adjusting to the student part. A little worrisome.
