University of Richmond Athletics
Hightower, Howell Named 2007 Football Captains
April 17, 2007
UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - Running back Tim Hightower and defensive back Stephen Howell have been selected as the senior captains for the 2007 University of Richmond football team. Head coach Dave Clawson made the announcement to the team prior to its Spring Game April 7.
"Timmy and Stephen have worked extremely hard during their years in our program," said Clawson. "I know they will be excellent leaders on and off the field for our team."
Hightower, a Third Team All-Atlantic 10 selection last season, returns as the Spiders leading rusher. Last season, he collected 850 yards on the ground, 269 yards receiving and scored seven touchdowns. His three-year career has seen the Waldorf, Md. native collect 2,408 all-purpose yards (1,788 rushing) with 16 touchdowns.
"Stephen and I are both honored and grateful to be placed in this position," said Hightower. "It speaks volumes of the respect that our teammates have for the both of us and their confidence in us to be great leaders. We are both excited to lead our team and are committed to setting a standard of excellence."
A Richmond native and graduate of Highland Springs High School, Howell has been a three-year starter on defense for the Spiders. He picked off a career-best three passes last season out of the defensive backfield, after picking off two passes in each of his first two seasons. Howell helped anchor a defense that allowed just 18.1 points per game last season.
In what has become a recent team tradition, the returning members of the previous year's team vote for the captains. The vote is conducted in early April and the announcement is made to the team before the game.
"We announced it to the team before the Spring Game," said Clawson. "So when we took the field, it was the first time Hightower and Howell led the team out on the field."
Richmond opens the season with three straight road contests, including the season-opener at Vanderbilt on Sept. 1. The home opener is set for Sept. 29 at UR Stadium versus New Hampshire. For tickets, please call 1-877-SPIDER-1 or visit RichmondSpiders.com.