Redraiders.com · Aug 11, 2015
The Red Raiders at 1,000: Outside linebacker Thomas Howard
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
THOMAS HOWARD
The reason why: Howard’s immense talent and work ethic make him the standard bearer for Tech outside linebackers.
“There aren’t any shortcuts to success, and he doesn’t take any,” Tech defensive coordinator Bill Parcells said in 1976 after Howard had been named a first-team all-American.
Howard, a two-time all-state choice for Louis Kelley’s Dunbar Panthers, had the nation’s fastest time in the 120-yard high hurdles in high school. He came to Tech as a defensive end, then got switched to strong-side linebacker in 1975, his junior season.