Long Island University quarterback Chris Howell has the weirdest throwing motion in college football and it’s awesome. The mechanics look kind of like how Uncle Rico throws a steak.
Or like a submarine pitcher.
It has not gone particularly well for Howell or the 0-3 Sharks thus far, but there is a lot of season left and the true freshman was never supposed to be thrust into the QB1 role. Sophomore Luca Stanzani was the incumbent starter for the 2023 season until he injured his shoulder during the third quarter in Week 2.
For now, it is Howell’s team!
Howell stepped in and has done more with his legs than with his arm. He is a dynamic dual-threat player from Brooklyn/Queens, New York who tore it up in high school.
His senior year highlight tape is electric and opposing defenses simply could not tackle him in the open field.
Howell’s success has not yet translated to the collegiate level. However, his sample size is limited against two quality defenses and Long Island’s FCS slate should set him up for better numbers, assuming that Stanzani does not return soon.
He completed just nine of 19 passes for 139 yards against Bryant in his first half as the starter while adding eight carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. Against Baylor, one of the better programs Howell will face in his entire career, he went just 4-of-10 for 41 yards with an interception. His eight carries for 29 yards and a touchdown marked the Sharks’ only points of the afternoon.
Howell has shown flashes of his dynamic play-making abilities. There have also been moments in which he looks like an unranked recruit playing as a 6-foot-1, 190-pound true freshman on the FCS level.
Of the highlights from Saturday’s loss, Howell dropped a bomb down the sideline during the second quarter. He dropped back, looked right, and let it rip. It was a great throw-and-catch.
The throw stands out among the rest because, not only did it go for a big chunk of positive yardage, it showcased Howell’s unique mechanics. His sidearm throwing motion is the most unique in the sport!
Not every one of Howell’s throws come out at such an odd angle, but there is always a sidearm element.
The deep ball, though…. Howell lets it rip like Uncle Rico throwing over them there mountains!