Redshirt junior offensive lineman Noah Howard answered some questions ranging on what position he would play if he wasn’t on the line to his favorite post game meal.

Q: When did you start playing football?

A: “I started playing football at the age of 12 and then eventually got into tackle. I started off with flag football and went to tackle at about 13 or 14.”

Q: What position did you start playing?

A: “I actually started at o[ffensive] line. I ended up being overweight to not play any other position.”

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
A: “I believe in Jesus, so I like always getting a good prayer in before the game. A couple prayers, maybe. Other than that, I really just listen to music and chill before it’s time to go.”

Q: Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

A: “Philippians 4:13, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ When I’m tired, I literally just say it in my head and it keeps me going.”

Q: How do you feel about the season?

A: “I still feel really good. We got a couple guys coming back from injury, and I think once we put all the pieces together, we’re going to be a really good team.”

Q: What’s your favorite NFL team?
A: “Dallas Cowboys.”

Q: What’s your favorite post game meal?
A: “House of Brisket.”

Q: Why did you choose to play at Eastern?
A: “I had a couple other DI offers. Ultimately, Coach Wilk[erson] and the rest of the coaching staff, those are guys that I just want to be around. Then the players, obviously, and it just felt like a place I couldn’t pass up.”

Q: Do you think the earth is round or flat?
A: “I got to say it’s round.”

Q: Who is your G.O.A.T.?
A: “I always looked up to Larry Allen growing up. He was the offensive guard for the [Dallas] Cowboys.”

Q: If you could play at any other position what would it be?

A: “I got to play running back. I’ve always wanted to carry the ball.”

Q: What is your biggest fear?
A: “Spiders and snakes.”

Q: What is your favorite season?
A: “I love fall. It’s just the weather. I like wearing shorts and sweatshirts. I think fall is the perfect weather for that.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about Eastern?
A: “The people and the environment. Being around here, it feels like a home away from home. Just being here is like a really calm and just cool experience to be around these guys.”

Q: What teammate would you let get the aux?
A: “Sebastian Pares.”

Q: What sport would you play other than football?
A: “ I grew up playing baseball, so I’d go back to playing baseball.”

Q: What was your best vacation?
A: “I’ve been to India before, [but] it wasn’t really a vacation. I went on a mission trip and it was a really cool, eye-opening experience.”

Q: If you had the power to bring one person to campus who would it be?
A: “I didn’t get to meet Tony Romo when he was here. I would bring him back just so I could meet him.”

Q: Who is someone you look up to?
A: “Definitely my mom. Just seeing the way she works and all the things that she sacrifices for me, it’s unlike any other. So I have a lot of love and respect, and I definitely just look up to her more than anybody.”

Q: What would you tell your younger self?
A: “There’s going to be a lot of obstacles, but keep going.”

Payton Liggins can be reached at 581-2812 or at paliggins@eiu.edu.