UConn's Leading Punt Returner Dead After Stabbing

University of Connecticut's top punt returner and starting corner back, Jasper Howard, has died early Sunday morning after an altercation that led to his stabbing. According to Associated Press, a fire alarm was pulled during a school sponsored dance that was held at that the Student Union. A fight broke out between two groups after the dance was over. Howard, along with another un-named individual was stabbed in a street just outside the student union. Both were taken to a local hospital and Howard was later airlifted to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford where he was pronounced dead. Police are currently seeking information regarding the stabbing and have not yet released information on any suspects.

What started out as a victorious homecoming weekend turned sour just hours after the University of Connecticut defeated Louisville 38-25 in front of a sell-out homecoming crowd. Howard played a pivotal role in the Huskies win, stripping Louisville running back Bilal Powell and recovering the loose fumble which eventually led to Huskies third quarter field goal. Howard finished the game with eleven total tackles on the day.

A Miami native, Howard had entered his junior as University Connecticut's tenth leading punt returner of all time. After six games this season, Howard averaged 24.3 punt return yards per game and a total of 146 yards. Defensively, as corner back, Howard had 35 tackles with one forced fumble resulting in a fumble recovery.

According to the Hartford Courant, Howard was the first in his family to attend college. His mother worked many jobs to support the family which includes one of his sisters who has meningitis. Howard was determined to make it to the NFL in order to ease his family's burdens. Unfortunately, his goal will never be attained due to the unnecessary violence that tragically ended his life.

The University of Connecticut president Michael Hogan said that the University of Connecticut Police department is working closely state Police and encourages anyone who can provide information to contact police. The University is also making arrangements so that Howard's mother can travel to Connecticut.

Sources
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2009-2010/teamcume.html#TEAM.DEF

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/howard_jasper00.html

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4574560

http://www.courant.com/sports/uconn-football/hc-uconn-stabbing-jasper-howard-1018,0,69181.story