Leon Howard, Jr.

Position:
Linebacker
Height:
6-2
Weight:
235
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
East St. Louis, Mo.
High School:
East St. Louis Senior H.S.
Twitter:
@leonhoward_jr
Instagram:
@0spinna

Will enroll at Central Michigan in January.

HIGH SCHOOL

Will graduate in December 2025 from East St. Louis High School, where he played four years of varsity football for head coach Darren Sunkett … Listed as a linebacker to Watch in the St. Louis area … Played outside linebacker for the Flyers … Currently has 45 tackles (29 solo) with four sacks, five tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery as a senior … Has guided the Flyers to a 10-3 overall record, Southwestern League title with a 5-0 record, and berth in the state title game vs. Oak Park Fenwick on Dec. 2 … Concluded his junior season with 112 tackles (74 solo), two sacks, and two tackles for loss as a junior … Led the Flyers to the 2024 Illinois Class 8A state championship with a Geneva, a 13-1 overall record, Southwestern League title with a 5-0 record as a junior … Made 86 total tackles (60 solo), with four sacks and a fumble recovery, and scored one touchdown as a sophomore … Led the Flyers to a 10-3 overall record, 5-0 first place finish in the conference, No. 7 state ranking, and Illinois Class 8A state playoff appearance, and state finalist finish as a sophomore … Made 19 tackles (17 solo) with a fumble recovery as a freshman … Helped lead the Flyers to the Illinois Class 8A football state championship as a freshman … Rated a three-star recruit by 247sports.com, On3.com, ESPN.com, and Rivals.com … Rated among the state of Illinois’ top-50 recruits.

PERSONAL

Born Leon Howard, Jr. on October 18, 2006 … Son of Leon, Sr., and Lakei Howard … Attended same high school as CMU cornerback Jaion Jackson and defensive lineman Keshawn Hayden … Chose Central Michigan because it felt like home, along with the genuine energy from the coaching staff and the players … Selected Central Michigan over offers from Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami, Ohio, Toledo, UNLV, Lindenwood, Illinois State, Coastal Carolina, Western Illinois, Tulsa, Sacramento State, and Southern Illinois … Intends to major in business.

ARTICLES
Leon Howard heads into 4th season as LB for East St. Louis' fearsome defense: No. 17