Jazz's death hits home for UConn family

Storrs (WTNH) - Jasper Howard came from Miami's inner city to Storrs, with aspirations of becoming a professional football player and taking care of his family, including his unborn child. His life ended in a place where he was building his dream.

Jasper went by "Jazz" -- fitting for a guy who was cool, smooth and easy going.

"We was talking about that all week. We needed somebody to step up and be a leader. Let the team know we need to set up and finish games off;  finish games strong. So there were a lot of guys hyping everybody up to make sure we finished the game strong," said Jazz.

That was the last time News Channel 8 heard from Jazz after Saturday's win over Louisville. He made some big plays; 11 tackles, forced a fumble and recovered it too.

"I felt my hand go on the ball, felt I had a chance to get it out of there, I just stripped it out of there; it was a big play," said Jazz.

He had a knack for the big play. He was an NFL player in the making; 5'9" and 175 pounds. He wasn't very big but made up for it with speed and athleticism.

He had an electrifying presence; Jazz was a duel threat for the Huskies, from his cornerback position and as a punt returner. A year ago, he led the Big East in return yards. With the ball in Jazz's hands, anything was bound to happen.

His personality matched: quick with a smile, quick with a laugh. Jazz liked the spotlight and was proud of where he came from. Last year, at South Florida, he was quick to point out his family in the crowds.

Storrs became his second home and the Huskies were his extended family. Not long ago he gave News Channel 8 a tour of the UConn video department.

Players, coaches, everyone in the program knew Jazz. His death will leave a huge hole in the CT football program.

UConn plans on playing Saturday, in loving memory of Jazz, at West Virginia.