ORANGEBURG, SC--During Bulldog Spring Football we had a chance to sit down with Defensive Line coach Gary Howard.  Howard is in his first season on the SC State football coaching staff. He comes to the Bulldogs after serving in a similar role at Benedict. During his time at Benedict, Howard had back-to-back Defensive Players of the Year in the SIAC and two All-Americans in Jayden Broughton and Loobert Denelus. Prior to Benedict, Howard spent five seasons coaching the defensive line at Alabama State University under head coach Donald Hill-Eley. As a college football player, Howard lettered in football at Alabama State after transferring to Montgomery from Phoenix Junior College. Howard played in nine games on the defensive line in 2016, and 11 games on the defensive line in 2015. To see Howard's complete bio, visit www.scsuathletics.com
 
Q: What made you decide to coach for South Carolina State?
A: Coach Chennis Berry believed in my talents and brought me along from Benedict College.
 
Q: What would you say was one of the biggest challenges transitioning from a player to a coach?
A: Giving up the friends I've made to grow and mature as a professional.
 
Q: What would you tell your younger self as a player that you would as a coach?
A: Be a better student of the game!

Q. What was the best advice given to you as a coach?
A: Once you become a man you put away childish things. Coach them hard and love them harder.
 
Q. What is the biggest challenge you face today as a coach?
A: Being away from my daughter.

Q: What is a misconception about coaches' society always claim?
A: That they always know more about our team than us.
 
Q: When I am not coaching, I am doing? 
A: Spending time with friends and family

Q: If I wasn't coaching football, I would coach what sport?  
A: Basketball
 
Q: A hidden talent I have no one knows about is?
A: I like to sing.

Q: The person I admire the most in life?
A: My daughter
 
Q: My favorite quote in life? 
A: It's not about the fly you kill, it's about the other flies watching!

Q: If I can spend time with one person dead or alive it would be?
A: My daughter when I'm with her the world is a better place.
 
Hot Seat

• Favorite Food: Soul Food
• Favorite Cereal or Snack: Captain Crunch, Popcorn
• Favorite Song and Artist: Keith Sweat
• Favorite Sport besides football: Basketball
• Something About Myself No One Else Knows: I feel alive and well when I'm coaching
• One word that describes yourself: Outgoing!

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