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2002: Howell, a 2002 freshman pitcher who could start, is one of the jewels of the Trojans' standout recruiting class.
MIKE GILLESPIE SAYS: "J.P. is a phenomenal freshman talent. He will pitch in a prominent role even as a weekend starter. He has great experience and has played in tough competition. He mixes his pitches well and has a great future ahead of him."
HIGH SCHOOL: Howell was named the California Player of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports during his 2001 senior season...was a four-year varsity letterwinner at Jesuit High in Sacramento, Calif...recorded a 10-0 record in his senior season with a 0.09 ERA in 71 innings with 137 strikeouts...named as a first team All-American by USA Today...earned Sacramento Player of the Year and all-city honors in 2001
PERSONAL: He was a member of the 2000 and 2001 United States Junior National Team...was a second-round draft selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 2001 professional draft...member of the silver-medal-winning team at the 2001 Pan American Games in Cuba...won a silver medal at the 2000 IBAF in Canada...majoring in business...lists Muhammad Ali as his biggest sports hero...birthdate is April 25, 1983.
