Glenn Howard always cast a large shadow over the Paulsboro High School practice field and not just because he was a former professional linebacker with a booming voice.
Howard retired after last season, his 35th coaching in a town known for football and wrestling. He won 316 games, 14 sectional titles and went to 24 championship games.
On Wednesday, the first official Paulsboro football practice of the post-Howard era began on a searing hot day under clear skies. Kevin Harvey - who Howard has said is the greatest player he ever coached - stepped into his mentor’s shoes.
“The weirdest thing is just not seeing (Howard) and hearing his voice, he was always the loudest on the field,” said senior wide receiver/defensive back Preston Moore. “(Harvey’s) been good. We haven’t really changed too much. We’ll stick to what we’ve been doing. We should do good things with (Harvey). He’s always on you, he wants the best for you and I like that.”
Harvey had been a long-time assistant under Howard and much of the coaching staff remains intact, so Howard’s missing presence wasn’t as notable as it could have been. But even Harvey admitted it felt different.
“It’s weird man, it don’t feel right but he taught us well, instilled a lot of great things and we’ll take it from there,” said Harvey.
Senior quarterback Rocco Pellegrini said he was hoping Howard would stay around until he graduated, but that if he was going to leave Harvey is the perfect replacement.
“He’s doing a great job like you would expect,” said Pellegrini. “He’s one of the greatest players to come through South Jersey, so obviously he will do well coaching. I’ve learned most of what I know from him, so for me it’s not much different. There’s no one better you can listen to. When we found out it was Coach Harvey (taking over for Howard), it was a sigh of relief. He knows how to play the game so well, knows what it’s like to be in the situation we’re in.
Harvey has been Pellegrini’s position coach on offense for all three years and when the team broke down into position groups Wednesday, it was still Harvey - arguably the greatest quarterback in South Jersey history - coaching the QBs.
Harvey said he doesn’t know any other way to coach than to be hands on even with his added responsibilities.
“He built the relationships with us that Coach Howard couldn’t because he was always running around,” said Pellegrini. “(Harvey) loves the game of football like we all do, but he might love it more. He puts time and effort into it. He comes right from work, goes home at 8 or 9. I feel bad, because I want him to go home, but he needs to be here with us. It’s awesome how good of a coach he is and how much I learned from him.”
Asked what stamp he would put on the program to make it his own, Harvey laughed and said he’s still trying to figure that out.
“Maybe during camp here, we’ll see what we’re made of, see how they respond to what I’m talking about,” said Harvey, who will be the offensive coordinator with Tom Richardson calling the defense. “So far the guys have been doing what I’ve asked them to do and that’s all I can ask for.”
Harvey said he doesn’t feel any pressure taking over for his mentor and one of the greatest coaches in South Jersey history.
“This is what I’m meant to do, what I’m supposed to be doing, help kids better themselves, get to where they need to be and make them good young men,” said Harvey. “Just get them in college, have a good time and live your life. I’m always going to try to do the right thing, and that’s what I’m about.”
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Bill Evans can be reached at bevans@njadvancemedia.com. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.
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