David Howard: A Prize Catch

Wide Receiver named to the All-NCCAA team

Making a catch in every game during his career, including 30 for TD's

WAXAHACHIE, Texas -- The National Christian College Athletic Association announced their 2011 All-NCCAA Team, and it includes one of Southwestern Assemblies of God University’s all-time best players in wide receiver David Howard.

The 6-foot-3, 201-pound, senior from Dayton, Texas (northeast of Houston) was a mainstay in Head Coach Jesse Godding’s version of the spread option offense for four years. Howard was a mix of power and deceptive speed who was known for his route-running, hands and knack for latching onto the ball in traffic.

Think: the mentality of Jason Witten as a wide-out.

The NCCAA released their honored players on offense, defense and special teams on January 26. The announcement was made from their Greenville, South Carolina headquarters by Jerry Malone, the Director of Member Relations.

Greg Johnson (Northwestern College / Minn.) and Gene DeMarco (Geneva College / Pa.) coordinate the NCCAA’s football division and statistics.

“David Howard leaves SAGU as the all-time leader in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns,” said Coach Godding. “He has had a tremendous career at SAGU! To see him gain recognition as a member of the All-NCCAA Football Team is rewarding for David and the SAGU football program.”

“His ability to make the difficult catch, gain separation from defenders and being physical were attributes that enhanced his ability as a football player beyond his character and leadership capabilities.”

High praise for Howard, who paid his dues while also serving as a team captain.

(See a summary of his statistical career below)

He appeared in 38 games and was never held without a catch. In fact, he had two or more receptions in 37 games.

Howard snared 172 balls for 2,692 yards, an average of 15.6 yards per grab. The former Dayton Bronco was particularly effective near the goal line. He capped his career with 30 touchdowns, or one in every 5.7 catches.

He also racked up eleven career 100-yard games.

His best season was during his junior campaign in 2009 when he reeled in 60 receptions for 800 yards and 10 TD’s. That included a 12-catch, 199-yard performance in a 37-34 setback against University of the Incarnate Word (NCAA Division II) of San Antonio, Texas.

Three of those catches went for scores. His longest gainer was a 70-yard catch and run.

Howard’s second best reception totals were a pair of games in which he pulled in eight. Against Austin College (NCAA D-III) in 2008, a 16-14 win at home, he gained 162 yards and crossed the goal twice.

A year later versus Bacone College, he rambled 142 yards and had a 93-yard TD on a pass from Jeremy Fowler. That play clinched the game and was the team's third straight win, 33-21, in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Fowler threw for 342 yards that day, rallying the Lions to score the game's final 13 points. Detrick Green broke off a 55-yard TD jaunt for the other score to give Southwestern the lead, 26-21.

Contact: Mark “Link” Warde, Sports Information Director, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 469-658-2847.

#43 David Howard, WR, Career Summary

Key:  GP – Games Played. Rec – Receptions. TD – Touchdown Receptions. Avg – Average Yards per Catch. 100-Yds – Number of games in which he surpassed 100 yards. NR – National Ranking in the NAIA.

Most Catches in Game

Most Yards in Game

Most TD’s a Game

Key: @ reflects away game, or a game at the opposition. L or W indicates whether SAGU won or lost, with the final score indicated. SAGU's score is on the left.