Naes Howard means all business this year. The Syracuse commit just finished up his junior year at West Genesee and has a summer filled with constant workouts and training sessions as he prepares for his final high school season. The speedy tailback tells The Fizz he has plenty to improve upon before he gets to SU. Just a little over two months before the season kicks off, Howard has been itching to get back to football.
He has a brand new training schedule for the summer. Three days a week he participates in a revamped weightlifting program at WGHS, and he is trying to improve his quickness and fundamentals. The Syracuse native is working with a new footwork coach to increase his agility and speed heading into his senior year. Naes says he wants to trim his 40 yard dash time to 4.3 (he runs a 4.4 right now). The tailback wants to make his final high school season the perfect one; and that means staying focused on an off the field.
“I just remember that grades are the most important [element]. It goes grades and then football, so I’m stepping up my grades and my studying.”
West Genesee workouts start in a few weeks. Naes missed the most recent Syracuse camp because of a surgery. The RB had a small procedure done on his shoulder to correct an injury that has been lingering since his freshman year. Howard had a calcium build up on the bone, but is now back in shape and ready to work.
His focus is entirely on football.¬†Naes‚Äô goal is to rush for close to 2,000 yards¬†this season, and the former track star will give up the sport to ready himself for a grueling ACC schedule in ’14. Things have changed for him since he announced his commitment. Some things for better, others for worse.
“One thing that changed is that I don’t have to worry about what schools I get in touch with and sending out film. Another thing that changed is friends.”
Howard has been cautious not to hang around with the “wrong crowd” thanks to his football success. Sometimes this can be the downfall for certain athletes.
Naes has also been keeping in close contact with some of the other Syracuse commits. A.J. Long has been a beast on the recruiting trail with Orange targets, and Howard is trying to do the same. The tailback says he is recruiting a promising QB prospect out of Henninger High School, Keyshawn Scott. He’s educating the athletic junior to keep his grades up and always keep the Orange in mind.
This could be one historic year for the West Genesee product. Howard’s devotion to improving his game is unparalleled. And his skill on the field is unmatched compared to every other Central New York running back.
Posted: Kevin Fitzgerald
13 responses to “Syracuse RB Commit Naes Howard Eyes Historic Season at West Genny”
I have reevaluate my initial opinion of Howard. I’m pretty sure now that I was initially incorect when not thrilled he chose Syracuse. He might be a the natural nextJerome Smith with a bit more speed. That would be more than merely good.Bring in another speed back and we are inbusiness for the running game.
I thought he was recruited to play DB?I’ll withhold my opinion on his RB abilities until the season play’s out! One thing’s for sure..now that he’s committed to “Cuse” he’ll be scrutinized more closely!
Hey Curtis Samuel has RU in top 2. We lost on Klock but we got a TE from Minnesota and one from Texas. What if SU and RU met in the Pinstripe Bowl in 2015
A bit? 4.3 is a lot more speed. Pretty exciting stuff to read. Good luck next season Nas.
I think that Neasean Howard is preparing himself to play a corner or safety for Syracuse University. Any kid that can run a 4.3 is always welcomed on the defensive side of the ball.
Good luck Mr Howard,I hope your 4-5 years here is something that you’ll always remember.
40 times are ghostly at best when you see them published. Howard has a shot at DB/S if he pans out. He says he’s getting coaching for speed and fundamentals. He’ll need them, when and if he plays against the speed of the “many” ACC WR/RB he’ll see on Saturdays/Fridays/Thursday or whatever!! LOL!!
@Malone,c’mon man how many kids really run these listed times?I know it looks good but handtimed?I’ll be shocked and happy if he’s a legit 4.5!!VERY FEW FB players run sub 4.5’s and 4.3s are almost unheard of in HS!I’m numb to the posted speeds we’ve been snowed so much!Just gimme football fast….@next commit?”1st July” Jason Cabinda LBer from NJ is my guess… any other predictions?Malone?
@Russell MacEachern;
Go to syr.com website and read the article on Sean White,pocket QB from South Florida that’s interested in Syracuse.
OK Ron will do!! @Mademan,we’d give RU a butt kickin lol!!
Michigan just offered RU target Freddy Canteen. It might force KJ to commit but then again, Florida and Miami has caught KJ eyes and he is still hearing from RU.
Canteen is sticking with RU IMO he practically lives in Piscataway and he’s going there again Thursday!KJ’s word don’t hold much water with me as his cousin seem’s to speak for him!!@Ron,Buffalo’s Canisius HS RB “Ollison” cancelled his camp with us this weekend? Whats up with that?Since Canteen grew fond of RU all the big dogs are barking (offering) but he knows whats up!!
KJ just informed so people that he is only focused on SU and Michigan and he is leaning Syracuse because he is comfortable going to school with his cousin.
@Mademan
Sooooooooooo, let me take a guess here;
If KJ Williams commits to Syracuse,that will bring us to 6 recruits. We will have 2(4*) and 4(3*) players already committing to play here in 2014.
@Terry,what do you think? Our percentage(40%)is higher(Kentucky 22%) right now of 4* committments to the class of 2014. Based on percentage points alone,should we replace #1 Kentucky as having the best recruiting class? And don’t forget now,we’re bringing them in from all across the fruited plain? Or are we going to drop to 89th place in the national rankings,because we only have 6 recruits this early in the year?
Please,masta Terry,show me your wisdom/guidance and help me through this mass of confusion.
@Mademan;
thanks for the update on KJ Williams. Much appreciated,thank you.