Trent Howland Ready to Take Advantage of Opportunities

Written by Sammy Jacobs

Redshirt sophomore Trent Howland has waited patiently to get his chance to tote the rock for the Hoosiers. He has been buried on the depth chart behind Stephen Carr, Shaun Shivers, Josh Henderson and many others. Last week against Rutgers, the former three-star running back finally got his chance to showcase his skills.

Howland, who 247Sports’ Allen Treiu said had Power-Five starter potential, had 74 total yards on 11 touches. The 6’3”, 240-pound back is the kind of physical runner IU has been missing since Stevie Scott.

Allen said that Howland is a “big, physical guy that just needs to take that ball and get downhill, and he's doing that now. You can see the benefits of that for him and for us, so excited for him and his development and the way he's responded.”

Howland was slowed down by a knee injury he suffered playing basketball in high school and is finally doing what he was brought to IU to do.

 I was just going in with the mindset my coaches already told me that the opportunity was gonna come. I just came with a mindset when I get in there just do what I have to do and take care of the job.” Howland said of his increased playing time.

On the season Howland has 145 yards (125 rushing) on 22 touches. With the season slipping away, Howland should have more of an opportunity to prove what he can do at IU.

Indiana offensive coordinator Rod Carey likes what he sees from the big back as well.

“Trent certainly, with starting the week before at Michigan, showed us enough to get more reps and then showed us enough here to get even more reps going forward. That started in practices with fall camp, and certainly he got his opportunities. When you get your opportunities in games and you execute the way that he has been, that deserves more. It's going to continue to go up. It's good to see a forward lean, it's good to see guys finishing downhill and he certainly has done that.” Carey said.

The Hoosiers will continue to give Howland opportunities, the hope is that IU can find something to build on for the future with Howland and the rest of the younger players.