By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
Blanche Ely Tiger Harlem Howard, a three-star rated athlete according to 247 Sports, is this week’s Westside Gazette Student/Athlete of the Week. The 6’1” 165 pound free safety has thus far accumulated 41 solo tackles with six interceptions, significantly contributing to the Tigers’ unblemished record, which after last week’s resounding 47-12 victory over West Boca Raton, clinched the District 10- 3M title, positioning them for a state title run. Blanche Ely head coach Mike Bailey believes that Harlem personifies all of the qualities coaches seek in today’s student/athletes: size, speed, quickness, high football IQ, and academic excellence. When you combine the aforementioned traits with his personal character, which is beyond reproach, you have the makings of a winner on the field of combat and in the classroom. Harlem is a member of the 2023 senior class with 3.3 GPA and obviously bright future. He also has his priorities in order because he understands that being successful as student is just as important as gridiron stardom.
Harlem states, “I can’t be an athlete without being a student first.” Leadership is another athletic concept that places him on a different level. He believes in leading by example and doing all the right things because he realizes that athletes are constantly on display publicly for all to see, so it is important to set a good example, especially for younger ones who watch your every move whether you are aware or not. During that process you develop a different perspective and greater appreciation of your responsibilities as a student/athlete, including his healthy eating regiment. While some may view Harlem’s self-confidence and swag on the field as cockiness, he simply thinks of himself as the best, a quality inherent in all great athletes. His perspective on family is equally revealing. First, Harlem understands how his family depends on him as a leader and young adult, expects to see the entire family at every game somewhere around the 50 yard line, and says his family is his motivation; that is who he does it for. To prepare for a game, he says he never gets butterflies but will employ some mental exercises and meditation and never steps on the field without praying, undoubtedly a family influence.
Sports and athletics are so ingrained in him that he thinks it came at birth but knows for certain that he’s been involved in some form of athletic competition since he was five. His favorite player or role model is Miami Hurricane All-American safety and Baltimore Raven great Ed Reed. Just like Ed he lives by the mantra- if something stands between you and success, move it! He also was inspired by his Coach Justin Hodges as youngster and has the utmost respect for Coach T Black because he doesn’t sugarcoat anything.
Harlem loves the team aspect of a sport like football because of the special bonds developed with teammates and coaches, a relationship that has helped the Tigers to one of the great seasons in Blanche Ely ‘s storied history. However, Harlem lives by the 24 hour rule: celebrate victories for a day and move on. How apropos since the “Soul Bowl” featuring the undefeated Blanche Ely Tigers and the battle tested Dillard Panthers is on the horizon.
