PITTSBURGH — LaRod Stephens-Howling saw the optimism that surrounded the Pitt football program when Dave Wannstedt took over four years ago, but it doesn’t compare to what the Greater Johns-town graduate sees as he prepares for his senior season.
Stephens-Howling was on three teams that disappointed, going 5-6, 6-6 and 5-7, respectively, since 2005.
But he also is proud of the fact he has helped Pitt progress to the point that the Panthers are 19th in Sports Illustrated’s preseason rankings, which were released Wednesday.
“Going into the season, there’s excitement from everywhere,” Stephens-Howling said earlier this week. “There’s more support. I definitely feel like I was a big part of (the improvement in the program).”
The diminutive tailback has rushed for 1,647 yards and 10 touchdowns during his three seasons. Listed at 5-foot-7, 180 pounds, Stephens-Howling has missed at least one game to injury during each of his seasons at Pitt. Nicknamed the “Johnstown Jet,” his best year came as a sophomore, when he ran for 893 yards and nine touchdowns.
Stephens-Howling started the first two games last year before freshman LeSean McCoy emerged as one of the nation’s best running backs.
Stephens-Howling finished with 320 yards on 78 carries – 100 fewer carries than the year before. But rather than sulk about the loss of playing time, Stephens-Howling has embraced his role.
“I feel like I’m here for whatever they need me for,” he said. “I’m not going to whine about not getting enough playing time or anything like that.”
McCoy said the player he calls “Hot Rod” has been instrumental in his development as a running back.
“He’s done so much for me, helping me out with formations,” McCoy said. “He’s like having a coach on the field. If I have any questions, I can go to him. He knows the playbook like the quarterbacks.”
Stephens-Howling’s impact isn’t limited to what happens in Pittsburgh. He’s also played a role in helping other local athletes get noticed. Since he set foot on the Oakland campus, Wannstedt has lured five other Johnstown-area athletes to Pitt.
Greater Johnstown’s Scott Corson followed his former teammate to Pitt in 2006 and Bishop McCort’s Wayne Jones joined them a year later.
This season three more local student-athletes – Bishop McCort’s Mike Cruz, Greater Johnstown’s Antwuan Reed and Richland’s Marco Pecora – are freshmen on the team.
“That’s one of the things I’m proud of,” Stephens-Howling said of the increased attention Johnstown area athletes are getting from big-time college programs. “A lot of people are coming to our area now, not just Pitt.”
Stephens-Howling pitches his hometown to the Pitt coaches as well as the analysts who following recruiting online.
“I told him all the time, ‘Check out my boys,’ ” Stephens-Howling said. “I always tell them to check us out.”
Wannstedt said that it’s a bit of a coincidence that so many players from the Flood City have ended up at Pitt in recent years, but Stephens-Howling certainly has been an example of the best of what Johnstown has to offer.
“If LaRod was the image and type we could get there, we’d take two a year,” Wannstedt said.
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