Big prize for RMU president

Business School graduate who earned a Bronze Star Medal in Afghanistan, Howard left quite the impression on those he has met in college athletics.

“It was a neat process. I was sort of tapped on the shoulder by a handful of leaders around the process. My name had come up in a couple different circles and a couple sources close to the Playoff, then they collaborated and, in a moment of weakness, reached out to me,” he joked.

In all seriousness, Howard is honored to take the position.

Heck, the other two new members are legendary former Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer and Gene Smith, the athletic director at perennial powerhouse Ohio State.

That trio replaces a College Football Hall of Famer in Barry Alvarez and a onetime U.S. Secretary of State in Condoleezza Rice, whose initial three-year contracts expired, as well as former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, who stepped down.

“I’ve got two sons, and one of them played college football and one runs college track, so they’re pretty fired up,” Howard said.

“I think I might be getting the ‘Cool Dad Award.’ ”

Certainly, Howard’s kids are two that won’t mind their father watching a lot more football now — and neither will he.

“It’s a wonderful pastime that’s meant a lot to me personally, professionally,” he said.

“If you call me, I’m probably watching a football game.”

And if you’re Nick Saban, Jim Harbaugh or Urban Meyer lobbying for a spot, he’s not answering.

• NOTE — Jimmy Walker, a quarterback from Redlands, Calif., will transfer from San Diego State to Robert Morris and have two years of eligibility remaining. He previously played two seasons at Cerritos College in California.