It was 2015 and head coach Wilbert Kennedy had a decision to make about a young running back that showed flashes of greatness but also looked lost at times. His start running back at the time, J.R. Taylor, said he should keep him around and Kennedy did do that.
“Back then I was super young and I didn’t know much especially about being a Raider and playing Raider football,” says Howard Triplett about Coach Kennedy believing in him. “So, now that I’m eight seasons in, I’ve blossomed and I’m ready for my takeoff now.”
Eight seasons later, Triplett has turned into the best running back in the region and has proven himself as such for the past five years since Taylor retired. Now, he’s out to prove he’s the best running back in the country.
“I’m expecting myself to have a big season,” says Triplett. “I’m shooting for an MVP award.”
Triplett is part of a long lineage of great backs in Racine over 70 years. While the team has no official individual career stats prior to 2011, Triplett is within less than 600 rushing yards of surpassing Taylor’s rushing total and less than 900 yards of surpassing his combined rushing and receiving totals while with Racine.
“Consistency was my biggest pet peeve,” says Triplett. “As a rookie, I was inconsistent where I’d have big runs and big games so now I focus on having consistent 100-yard game, consistent 90-yard game, and catching the ball.”
Triplett has gotten more involved in the passing game over the last four season, having double-digit receptions each year. Triplett said he wanted opportunities in the passing game so he went to the coaches and then worked on his pass-receiving skills.
“I made sure I got in the gym and also worked on my catching,” says Triplett. “Then I came to the field and translated it.”
Triplett has put in the work that it takes to be an elite back and looks to translate that to a national stage.
