STORRS -
UConn and West Virginia will pay tribute to Jasper Howard before and during Saturday's game in Morgantown.
"There will be a moment of silence before the game, and as I understand it, we'll be out on the field, our team and their team, and after the moment of silence we'll embrace in a handshake," UConn coach Randy Edsall said Tuesday. "That will be something that was decided upon by both schools, and I think it's an outstanding tribute to Jazz."
Howard was stabbed outside the Student Union early Sunday and later died of his wounds. He was 20.
West Virginia players will wear decals on their helmets bearing Howard's No.6. The stickers will complement those worn by the Huskies, which will have Howard's initials on them.
"This is all about Jasper Howard and honoring a fallen brother," West Virginia coach Bill Stewart told The Associated Press. "I am very proud of the West Virginia and Connecticut administrations for helping us make this happen to honor Jasper."
The Huskies also plan to carry Howard's helmet and jersey with them on the road through the 2010 season, when Howard would have been a senior. Howard's locker, adorned with letters, cards and the poster board from Monday night's vigil, will also remain decorated until that time.
Senior running back Andre Dixon, whose locker was in the same corner as Howard's, said the two talked every day.
"Even before the games, we talked," Dixon said. "We even had our own little signature handshake and stuff like that. When you go out there and you look around and you don't see No.6 out there again, it's just going to be a crazy feeling. You're just going to want to play for him, for his family, for UConn country — for everybody."
Edsall is making other plans to remember Howard. A large mural in the lobby of the Burton Family Football Complex that features former linebacker Alfred Fincher will be replaced with a photo of Howard and a plaque commemorating his life and accomplishments.
Howard's No.6 won't be retired, but it will only be issued to "a very, very special person who had the same qualities that Jazz had," Edsall said.
Plus, Edsall is planning on establishing a foundation that will help urban kids pay for college and also aid families of terminally ill players — something Howard believed was important.
"This way you can bring people back and keep the name of Jasper Howard alive and going for a long, long time," he said. ... ESPN.com reported Cincinnati made a banner in honor of Howard that read "Teammates for life." Players signed it and sent it to UConn.
Berry was arrested at 1:55 a.m. Sunday on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He has 25 career starts but has been a backup the past two games.
•Visit courant.com/ uconnwvu for an interactive depth chart previewing Saturday's game.
"There will be a moment of silence before the game, and as I understand it, we'll be out on the field, our team and their team, and after the moment of silence we'll embrace in a handshake," UConn coach Randy Edsall said Tuesday. "That will be something that was decided upon by both schools, and I think it's an outstanding tribute to Jazz."
Howard was stabbed outside the Student Union early Sunday and later died of his wounds. He was 20.
West Virginia players will wear decals on their helmets bearing Howard's No.6. The stickers will complement those worn by the Huskies, which will have Howard's initials on them.
"This is all about Jasper Howard and honoring a fallen brother," West Virginia coach Bill Stewart told The Associated Press. "I am very proud of the West Virginia and Connecticut administrations for helping us make this happen to honor Jasper."
The Huskies also plan to carry Howard's helmet and jersey with them on the road through the 2010 season, when Howard would have been a senior. Howard's locker, adorned with letters, cards and the poster board from Monday night's vigil, will also remain decorated until that time.
Senior running back Andre Dixon, whose locker was in the same corner as Howard's, said the two talked every day.
"Even before the games, we talked," Dixon said. "We even had our own little signature handshake and stuff like that. When you go out there and you look around and you don't see No.6 out there again, it's just going to be a crazy feeling. You're just going to want to play for him, for his family, for UConn country — for everybody."
Edsall is making other plans to remember Howard. A large mural in the lobby of the Burton Family Football Complex that features former linebacker Alfred Fincher will be replaced with a photo of Howard and a plaque commemorating his life and accomplishments.
Howard's No.6 won't be retired, but it will only be issued to "a very, very special person who had the same qualities that Jazz had," Edsall said.
Plus, Edsall is planning on establishing a foundation that will help urban kids pay for college and also aid families of terminally ill players — something Howard believed was important.
"This way you can bring people back and keep the name of Jasper Howard alive and going for a long, long time," he said. ... ESPN.com reported Cincinnati made a banner in honor of Howard that read "Teammates for life." Players signed it and sent it to UConn.
CB Slot Undecided
Redshirt freshman Blidi Wreh-Wilson is expected to take over opposite Robert McClain at cornerback, but Edsall lists him as questionable with an ankle injury. Wreh-Wilson has served as a regular at cornerback in the nickel defense. Gary Wilburn is listed as Wreh-Wilson's backup. ... Either McClain or freshman Nick Williams will take over Howard's punt return duties. ... Marcus Easley of Stratford has passed Michael Smith at split end. Easley was the first UConn player in a decade to go over 100 yards receiving in consecutive games. ... Jerome Junior will start at strong safety over Aaron Bagsby.WVU Suspension
Stewart suspended junior defensive tackle Scooter Berry indefinitely, two days after he was arrested outside a Morgantown bar, The Associated Press reported.Berry was arrested at 1:55 a.m. Sunday on charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct. He has 25 career starts but has been a backup the past two games.
•Visit courant.com/ uconnwvu for an interactive depth chart previewing Saturday's game.