Clarke Central High School senior Dailen Howard, a defensive end for the varsity football team, poses for a photo on Aug. 16. As a standout athlete and student, Howard’s leadership qualities are well-known among his peers and teachers alike. “I’d say I influence (my team by) leading by example, like a father,” Howard said. “If they see the offers and stuff I had achieved then that would make them want to work hard, put in work.” Photo by Lucas Donnelly
Dailen Howard, a CCHS senior and varsity football defensive end, has left a legacy of determination on Billy Henderson Stadium that will stay with him through his collegiate career.
Influence, performance, and academic standing — CCHS varsity football defensive end Dailen Howard has it all.
A longtime stalwart of the Clarke Central High School varsity football defense, Howard has made play after play for the team, culminating in a 49-tackle season in his senior year and a full-ride scholarship to Georgia Military College.
However, Howard almost missed out on the sport that would define his high school career.
“When I was little, my dad wanted me to get into sports,” Howard said. “I wanted to play basketball at first, but it wasn’t working out too well when I tried it. So, my dad put me on a football team when I was little. I was scared at first, but then I got that first contact, and (it) continued like that.”
After 10 years of dedication to his sport, Howard broke into the varsity team in his very first year at CCHS. After 4 more years, Jaylon Stone, a senior and a defensive tackle for the CCHS boy’s varsity football team, credits Howard for being a force to be reckoned with.
“He’s always fascinated me. He’s strong for his size. He’s fast. He has a certain edge,” Stone said. “He was the leader on our team. Everybody looked at him to make a big play.”
CCHS head varsity football coach David Perno believes that Howard’s humble approach was ideal for leadership.
“He’s just been a joy to coach because he hasn’t caused any issues off the field. He’s been a great example for younger players, and (he’s) a really good player,” Perno said. “If I could have 20 Dailens, we’d be in great shape. He is probably one of the best, if not the best, defensive player I’ve had the opportunity to coach.”
“(Dailen has) just been a joy to coach because he hasn’t caused any issues off the field. He’s been a great example for younger players, and (he’s) a really good player,” Perno said. “If I could have 20 Dailens, we’d be in great shape. He is probably one of the best, if not the best, defensive player I’ve had the opportunity to coach.”
— David Perno,
head varsity football coach
Howard credits his influence on his teammates to Perno’s high expectations of his past senior leaders.
“Since I was in ninth grade, I seen how the seniors was, they led by example. Perno was tellin’ us (to) follow them and do what they do,” Howard said. “So I just learned from them and tried to do what they did to show the younger people, ‘this what you’re supposed to work like, practice like.’”
Coach Joshua Dawson, who was Howard’s defensive line coach, recognized the defensive end’s positive influence on and off the field.
“He’s influenced his teammates just to strive to be the best they can be,” Dawson said. “I think when you see somebody who’s day in and day out, pushing themselves to be the best
no matter what—no matter how they’re feeling, I think that motivates their peers.”
English department collaborative teacher Brad Williford sits in Room 234 at Clarke Central High School on May 11. Williford has known Howard since he was in middle school and says that Howard is an exemplary student. “He has always been very diligent with his work,” Williford said. “He’s on top of assignments. He’s getting things done (to) completion. He participates in class when called on, without hesitation.” Video by Adah Hamman and Aza Khan
However, Howard isn’t just a competitive player on the field: he’s also a good student. English department collaborative teacher Brad Williford, who has taught him since he was in middle school, feels Howard approaches academics the same way as athletics: aggressively.
“In our (Multicultural Literature) class, he has always been very diligent with his work. He’s on top of assignments, (and) he’s getting things done (to) full completion. He participates in class when called on, without hesitation,” Williford said. “He’s got goals. He knows what he’s got to get done, and that’s where his energy goes.”
Howard’s diligence isn’t limited to himself—much as he is on the football team, Howard is a leader among his classmates.
“There’s a group of students that gravitate towards him—a group of students that he’s comfortable with, or they’re comfortable with him,” Williford said. “They sit down, (and) they get their work done. So, they’re able to lean on each other, as a positive, supportive, cooperative (group).”
Howard has established his legacy at CCHS, only now, he has to prove himself at the next level. Although he feels confident about his place in the classroom, Howard expects adjustments on the GMC field.
“I’m going to definitely be the academic one,” Howard said. “But the one on the field, I’d have to see how they roll over there. I know how they play and all, but I don’t know how they is on a team.”
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