Football or basketball for Howard

Football or basketball? It is a question that Pearl (Miss.) junior Twymond Howard has heard countless times already. And it's likely a question that Howard will hear numerous more times as his senior year arrives.

After not playing football last year, Howard returned to the gridiron this year and participated in spring drills. Also one of the state's top 2012 hoop prospects, the 6-foot-5 and 200-pound receiver said his summer will be filled by juggling both sports.

"I did both this spring and it wasn't bad and it was fun," said Howard. "I was working out with the football team and then I would go and work out with basketball. This summer I am trying to go to a couple of football camps and then I still have AAU ball and basketball camps. Basketball will be my first choice if I have to choose when I have a conflict of schedules. But I am still going to some football camps with my team and I look forward to that."

The last time Howard played football was in 2009 and he had 28 catches for 347 yards and five touchdowns. He said he didn't need long to pick up the pace again in football this spring.

"We are done with spring now and it went pretty good," said Howard. "It didn't take long at all to catch back up and I think I did pretty good. I still catch the ball well and my speed has gotten a lot better."

Also this spring, Howard said he picked up his first offer in football and noted several schools came by to check on his return to football.

"Miami, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss came to see me," said Howard. "Southern Miss has already offered me. Other than Southern Miss, I would say Mississippi State is showing me the most interest and everyone is recruiting me as a receiver."

Back to hoops, Howard has also been active on the hardwood of late with his AAU duties.

"We've done pretty good lately," said Howard. "I am playing with Mark Rowe's team and we came in second in the state and lost to the Southern Phenoms in the championship game. We have a tournament in Alabama soon and then we have the Las Vegas tournament coming up soon, too. I plan to also go to some college camps but I don't know which ones for sure yet."

Howard already owns offers from MSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Missouri, Arkansas and Baylor in basketball and there is a constant school he mentions among his favorites.

"I still like Tennessee a lot and I have always liked them," said Howard. "But I am not saying that is where I am going and I am in no rush and just waiting to see what all happens in both sports. Arkansas is on me a lot right now and so is Mississippi State and Ole Miss, too."