HART'S HOWELL IS ON THE BALL STANDOUTJUNIOR HELPED BUILD FOOTBALL TEAM'S 7-0-1 RECORD.

Byline: Gerry Gittelson Staff Writer

NEWHALL - So impressed were Hart High's football coaches about Dan Howell that they tried to fit him at just about every position as they scrambled to find a place for him.

It was clear from the beginning Howell possessed as much raw athletic ability, strength and speed as anyone on the team. Refinement was the issue because Howell simply didn't have much football experience. But by the season opener, Howell earned a spot as the starting cornerback and backup running back, and he has steadily blossomed into one of the best players on the team.

``At first Dan just didn't look comfortable at any position. We tried him at linebacker, strong safety, linebacker, defensive end,'' head coach Mike Herrington said. ``All we knew is that we had to find a place for him, and it just so happened the cornerback got hurt, and Dan took his spot and did really well during 7-on-7's (passing tournaments) over the summer.''

Howell is raw compared with many of his teammates, the majority of whom started in youth football. As a freshman he played a year of eight-man football at Santa Clarita Christian before an uneventful season for Hart's junior varsity last year.

But Howell continued to get bigger and stronger. The 6-foot-1, 190- pounder bench presses 280 pounds, runs a 4.67-second 40-yard dash and already has the body of an NFL player.

One of the team's few starting juniors, Howell's season didn't get off to a great start. He fell down trying to cover a long pass in a televised opening tie against Los Alamitos, and the receiver caught the ball and ran untouched into the end zone.

``I think I might have been nervous. That was a beginner's mistake,'' Howell said. ``I just needed to keep my cool and calm down.''

Herrington and staff, though, didn't scream and go off on Howell. The last thing they wanted was to relinquish the confidence of someone they figured would be an impact player for two full seasons.

``That play was kind of a fluke. Dan actually had good coverage, but the ball was underthrown and he just got his legs tangled,'' Herrington said. ``Now he's a lot more comfortable.''

Howell's defense has helped Hart (7-0-1) hold opponents to an average of 230 yards - one of the region's lowest totals - but perhaps he shows the most potential as a running back. He got his first extended opportunity at tailback during Friday's 38-8 victory at Burroughs of Burbank, leading the team with 67 yards on eight carries, including a 1-yard touchdown. He's a powerful, tackle-breaking runner, the likes of which Hart hasn't seen since all-state standout Ted Iacenda graduated in 1995.

``Dan does have a lot potential at running back,'' Herrington said.

The job figures to be Howell's next season because starter Paxton Howard graduates.

``I'm claiming it right now,'' Howell said.

Fellow junior Kevin Ciccone, who starts with Howell in the secondary, believes Howell can do whatever he sets his mind to.

``Dan is just a really solid player. He really earned a starting job,'' Ciccone said. ``Overall, he's just a great athlete and big asset to the team.''

Howell's brother, Keith, was a standout for Hart last year before he committed to Harvard. Dan wants to follow a similar path, hoping football can take him as far as possible.

``If it doors open for me, I'll be more than happy to play football in college,'' Howell said. ``Whatever God wants is going to happen, but whatever chance I get, I'm going to capitalize on it.''

DAN IS THE MAN

Daniel Howell of Hart High has emerged as one of the area's top juniors football players:

Name: Daniel Howell

Sport: Hart football

Year: Junior

Ht/Wt: 6-1, 190

Pos: Cornerback/running back

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photo, box

Photo:

Hart High School football player Dan Howell is a top defensive player who has helped Hart (7-0-1) hold opponents to an average of 230 yards - one of the region's lowest totals.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer

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DAN IS THE MAN (see text)