THREE-YEAR LETTERMAN - Returns to lead an experienced running corps...has thrived in the "B" back position and brings all the tools to the position as a physically tough and punishing runner...recovered from injury to finish in strong fashion last year...will be among the league's elite runners and should again vie for all-conference honors...enters the season with nine career 100-yard games, tying him for fourth-most in school history.
2008 - Selected Second Team All-Big South...ranked fifth in the BSC in rushing and finished the season with back-to-back strong efforts against Stony Brook (109 yards) and Presbyterian (151 yards)...had 124 yards and three touchdowns, including a career-long 63-yard TD run against Chowan... rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown against Charleston Southern...ranked fifth in the BSC in yards per carry (6.6) and sixth in rushing TD's (6)...was 10th in the league in total offense (86.1 ypg)...sidelined two games (weeks 5 and 6) with knee injury...had five runs of at least 27 yards on the season.
2007 - Named Second Team All-Big South at running back...his 1,121 rushing yards were the eight-most in school history...became second straight VMI player to lead the Big South in rushing yards...led VMI in rushing in 10 of 11 games...became the seventh VMI back and seventh running back in Big South history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season...produced five 100-yard rushing games, the second-most by a Big South back during the season...posted three 100-yard performances against conference foes, including a career-high 180 yards vs. Gardner-Webb, 120 yards vs. Liberty, and 116 yards vs. Coastal Carolina...other 100-yard games included 157 vs. Robert Morris and 132 yards vs. Lock Haven...had five rushing TD's, tied for the team lead...averaged 122.5 yards rushing in BSC games.
2006 - Played mostly special teams but saw considerable action and earned his first letter...credited with tackles against Norfolk State and Liberty.
HIGH SCHOOL - A graduate of High Point High School in Beltsville, Md...served as team captain...All-League Prince George’s County-LB...All-League Prince George’s County-Track (Thrower)...723 yards rushing from fullback position...three rushing TDs...three interceptions as linebacker... track state qualifier in shot put (Indoor)...Honor Roll Student.
PERSONAL - Full name is Howard Akonji Abegesah...Biology major.
