Howard University will have its Annual Blue and White spring football game on Saturday in Greene Stadium on the University campus.

Coach Gary Harrell, who is entering his first season as head football coach, will be looking to take a hard look at the game to make evaluations.

“We want to try to create a game setting,” explained Harrell, a former standout for the Bison.  “We will have two teams on defense and offense and will attempt to make it game simulated as possible. “In our evaluation process, we want to come out of this with an identity on defense and offense.  We are looking to see who has passion and pride.”

The event will kick off with a tailgate and football clinic at 11 am.  It will be followed by a powder puff football game at 12 noon.  The spring game, which starts at 1 pm, will feature four, 10-minute quarters with a halftime performance by the HU Showtime Marching Band.

Harrell added that he will be putting a lot of emphasis on the special teams, especially the kicking game where the Bison have struggled in years past.

“We have put a lot of emphasis on that area,” said Harrell.  “We will be taking a hard look at the punt teams and field goal and PAT units.  It is critical that we improve and become more consistent in that area.”

Harrell has adopted the theme, “The Road To Redemption” for the rebuilding phase of the program.  He offers some insights on what he has observed so far.

“It has been pleasantly surprising how the team has been able to pick up things off film study and then be able to take it to the practice field and execute,” he said.  “That has been very encouraging.”

He continued, “On the other hand, one of my concerns going forward is lack of depth at the skill positions of running back, quarterbacks and wide receivers as playmakers.”

Several former Bison players including Tracy White (New England Patriots), Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis Colts), Ronald Bartell, Jr. (St. Louis Rams) and Jimmie Johnson (tight ends coach/Minnesota Vikings).