Former Central Bobcat Named Texas Tech Football Captain

SAN ANGELO, TX - The legacy of former San Angelo Central Bobcat Eli “Cinco” Howard continues to be written. Howard was recently selected by Texas Tech head football coach Matt Wells as one of 16 team captains.

Howard’s journey as a college football player started at the University of North Texas before transferring to Texas Tech in the fall of 2016 when he sat out an entire season due to the transfer.

“As a former walk-on to a team captain really I think really says a lot about the work that has been put in and how much my teammates care for me,” says Howard.

As a member of the Angry Orange and a team captain for Brent Davis’ Central Bobcats, Howard was a quarterback until his junior season when he transitioned to playing on the defensive line. It was a move that the 6’4” 270-pound defensive end wouldn’t regret going on to be named the District 3-6A Defensive MVP recording 61 tackles and 6 sacks.

“My senior year I shared it with another great group of guys and lifelong friends,” says Howard when he was named a team captain in his final season as a Bobcat. “Their leadership abilities have really helped me excel at the stage I am right now.”

As a Red Raider in 2018, Howard started in 11 of 12 games while his 37 tackles were good enough for second on the team among defensive linemen en route to earning an All-Big 12 honorable mention selection by the conference coaches.

Although Howard’s role in Lubbock continues to grow Howard says the feeling of being a Red Raider is still surreal.

“Honestly it’s such a blessing,” says Howard. “It’s a tribute to my high school coaches and how they’ve helped develop high school kids for college and the work that needs to be put in and those kinds of qualities that will get you to excel at the next level.”

Howard and the Red Raiders will open the 2019 season on Saturday, August 31st at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock against Montana State.