Top 2028 Polk County running back transferring to IMG Academy

One of the Heartland region's top freshman standouts of this past season is heading a short ways to Bradenton
Anthony Howard Jr./X

It has been a busy last several days for IMG Academy as they opened up its national head coaching position after the resignation of former head coach Billy Miller, who is rumored to be heading to coach under Bill Belichick at North Carolina.

In the interim, however, the prestigous academy is still getting better via transfers from all over and received a couple announcements on Thursday, including a talented 2028 player from not too far away.

2028 running back Anthony Howard Jr. announced on X that he will be transferring from Auburndale to IMG Academy for his sophomore season. Down below is the message the freshman posted on X.

"First I iust want to Thank God because without him nothing is possible, and I want to thank all my coaches and trainers and dad for helping me and developing and pushing me to be the best version of myself. You have all been Helpful in my development as a young man and made me the person I am. Thank you Auburndale Highschool, Football team, and coaches for inspiring me to be great everyday. Auburndale Highschool has been an amazing high school experience. I couldn't have
asked for more. With that being said, it has come upon me that I want to challenge myself to new limits by competing on a national level and against those that are the best in the country to do this I have decided to transfer to the IMG ACADEMY. God Bless everyone who has helped me, make it to this point. And thank you Mom and Dad and my family for supporting me through everything all the ups and downs always having my back no matter what, THANK YOU!!!!"

Last season for the Bulldogs, Howard accounted for 754 all-purpose yards and seven touchdowns. Howard already has collegiate offers from East Carolina, Florida, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Marshall, Miami (FL), UCF and USF.


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Andy Villamarzo
ANDY VILLAMARZO

Andy Villamarzo has been a sports writer in the Tampa Bay (FL) Area since 2007, writing for publications such as Tampa Bay Times, The Tampa Tribune, The Suncoast News, Tampa Beacon, Hernando Sun to name a few. Andy resides out of the Tarpon Springs, FL area and started as a writer with SB Live Sports in the summer of 2022 covering the Tampa Bay Area. He has quickly become one of Florida's foremost authorities on high school sports, appearing frequently on podcasts, radio programs and digital broadcasts as an expert on team rankings, recruiting and much more.