Howard 'having a ball' ahead of induction

Photo by: The News-GazetteCHICAGO — Dana Howard has a busy Hall of Fame year. Besides his Illinois honor, the superstar linebacker is entering the College Football Hall of Fame in December.

"I'm having a ball," Howard said on Friday night ahead of the Hall of Fame Gala at the Field Museum of Natural History. "It's really cool to come back to your alma mater where they think you were one of the best athletes that ever played there. It doesn't get any better."

From his era, Howard thinks defenders John Holecek, Simeon Rice and Kevin Hardy deserve future Hall calls. And running back Howard Griffith.

Howard brought his son Zade with him, Will the 4-year-old play football?

"Baseball," Howard said.…