Esks.com
Esks.com Staff
EDMONTON — Eskimos defensive end Marcus Howard wanted nothing more than to put his injury plagued 2012 season behind him and show everyone what he’s truly capable of.
Judging by his performance in 2013: Mission Accomplished.
The former Georgia Bulldog proved his rookie season in 2011 where he racked up 11 sacks in just 13 games was no fluke.
This year, Howard set a career-high in defensive tackles with 29 and his 10 sacks were among the CFL’s league leaders earning him the Eskimos Defensive Player of the Year Award.
“I’m finally healthy and it’s a blessing for me. I felt like I had an OK season, but I feel like I can get to another level in my play,” says Howard.
He’s continues to be one of the most feared defensive ends by CFL quarterbacks with his sack totals among the best in the CFL. Howard’s play showed a level of maturity and leadership every time he stepped on the field this season.
“I know I can be the kind of defensive end that can do it all. Every game I want to get a sack, but at the end of the day, I just love making plays and I feed off other guys making big plays,” says Howard.
Howard plans to spend most of his off-season in Atlanta and begin training in January for the 2014 season.
“I work hard for five straight months to try and make sure that those tough times, injury wise, are behind me. I did that last season and it paid off.”
Howard feels he’s found a team he can flourish with. He knows he has the ability to be one of the best defensive ends in the CFL.
“I feel that Edmonton is the best place for me. I love playing for the organization and I love the fans. I just love it here.”
