Central Michigan University Athletics
2026 Football Roster
Jersey Number 45
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
Enrolled at Central Michigan in January 2026.
HIGH SCHOOL
A December 2025 graduate of East St. Louis Senior 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
HIGH SCHOOL
A December 2025 graduate of East St. Louis Senior 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
Chatting Chippewas - Matt Drinkall
Friday, January 23
Post-Game Press Conference (GameAbove Sports Bowl)
Friday, December 26
Football Players Insider - 12.22.2025
Monday, December 22
Matt Drinkall Insider - 12.22.25
Monday, December 22
