The “Johnstown Jet” is making his return to Acrisure Stadium Saturday night for the Pitt Panthers.
Pat Narduzzi announced Saturday morning that former Pitt and NFL running back LaRod Stephens-Howling will serve as the honorary captain against Virginia. It’s a move that will be popular among the Panther Nation in attendance.
Narduzzi outlined Stephens-Howling’s accomplishments at Pitt and the professional level while announcing his captainship:
- 2008 team captain
- Four-year letterman
- 2006 Big East All-Academic
- Led Pitt in rushing (2005-06) and all-purpose (2006)
- 2009 NFL Draft pick
- Five seasons in the NFL (Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers)
- Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice
Stephens-Howling initially committed to Pitt as a three-star athlete out of Greater Johnstown, picking the Panthers over Iowa, Maryland, Ohio State, Penn State, Syracuse and West Virginia.
In four seasons at Pitt, Stephens-Howling recorded 429 carries for 1,959 yards (4.6 yards per carry) and 15 touchdowns, hauled in 52 receptions for 454 yards (8.7 yards per reception) and a touchdown and returned 24 kicks for 775 yards (22.8 yards per return) and another touchdown.
He was most effective in his sophomore season, carrying the ball 178 times for 893 yards and nine touchdowns and hauling in 19 receptions for 231 yards and a touchdown.
The Arizona Cardinals selected him in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Stephens-Howling spent five seasons in the NFL, racking up 188 carries for 670 yards and five touchdowns, adding 58 receptions for 545 yards and three touchdowns. He was a true multi-purpose threat out of the backfield.
But he was most effective as a return man, leading the NFL in kick return yards in 2010 — 57 returns for 1,548 yards (27.2 yards per return) and two touchdowns. He finished with 164 returns for 4,092 yards and three touchdowns.
Stephen-Howling is the eighth honorary captain for the Panthers this season, joining former offensive lineman Jason Pinkston, former long snapper Cal Adomitis, former offensive lineman Mike McGlynn, former tight end J.P. Holtz, former linebacker Clint Session, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the legendary Tony Dorsett Sr. and Jr.
Pitt and Virginia are slated to kick off at 8 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium, and the conference clash will be broadcast on the ACC Network.
Mustakas will be in attendance today. Get him down there too!