The Top Five Games of Jasper Howard's Career

Jasper Howard made his presence felt every time he took the field for the Connecticut Huskies.

Whether it was on the defensive side of the ball or returning punts, he was a rising star. This will recap some of his best performances during his career as a Husky.

Although Jasper is gone, his hard work and determination should never be forgotten.

5. January 3rd, 2009 Buffalo vs. Connecticut The International Bowl

Jasper Howard silently had one of his best games in Connecticut's bowl game in Toronto against the Buffalo Bulls. Howard had six punt returns for 46 yards and a long of 26 yards.

His ability to return punts always helped set up strong field positions for the Huskies. Howard also had eight tackles and a pass deflection. His eight tackles was the second-best total on his season.

His contributions helped the Huskies win 38-20.

4. September 26th, 2008 Connecticut @ Louisville

Howard recorded a season-high nine tackles at Louisville last season. It was the Big East season opener, and he also had two pass deflections along with his totals.

One of the biggest plays that Jasper Howard made was a key strip that was a forced fumble. This was out on the open field, and his ability to run down the running back from behind helped change the dimension of this game on the road.

3. October 25th, 2008 Cincinnati @ Connecticut

Howard had a strong game against eventual conference champions Cincinnati last year. He made a key interception with the game tied 10-10 with nine minutes left in the first half.

In the 40-16 win although Howard only recorded four tackles, he was great returning three punts for 50 yards. His long was 25 yards.

His effort was clear, and the team played exceptional at home coming off back-to-back losses.

This was just another game that showed what type of person and player Jasper Howard was.

2. November 15th, 2008 Connecticut @ Syracuse

Jasper Howard had a very impressive game at the Carrier Dome last season. It all began at the end of third quarter with an amazing 69 yard punt return that put the Huskies up 31-14.

It was an perfectly executed return that at first looked as if he would call for a fair catch. His NFL potential speed was obvious on this play.

Howard also had a nifty juggling interception with four minutes left in the game to seal the victory.
He had five tackles to go along with the rest of his outstanding performance.

Last season Howard was the leader in the Big East when it came to punt return yards. Entering the 2009 season he was ranked 10th overall in career punt return yards at Connecticut.

His explosiveness and danger with the ball in his hands were quite clear last year against Syracuse.

October 17th, 2009 Louisville @ Connecticut

This was the last football game Jasper Howard would ever play. It was also arguably his best. Howard recorded a career-high 11 tackles which helped UConn win 38-25 at home.

The biggest play he made was with UConn leading 21-13 and Louisville driving in the third quarter. Howard forced a fumble and recovered it with Louisville deep in UConn territory around the 10 yard line.

It was just another example of how much an impact Howard could make on any given play. He was considered a leader on defense and his skills were really starting to come together.

Howard's comments in the post-game news conference send chills down my spine,"You have got to play every play like it's your last play you will ever play," Who would have known that would be the last game of his career.

It has been announced that Howard's girlfriend is pregnant and that Jasper Howard was going to be father. What a shame that his son or daughter will have to grow up without his or her dad.

A true man who escaped the streets of Miami to come to Connecticut so that one day he could play in the National Football League.

The death of Jasper Howard is all to soon for someone who had such a promising future. Rest in Peace #6.