He is one of the best all-around running backs in college football with amazing accomplishments the past four years. He was the best all-round back in the WAC leading the league in all-purpose yards in 2003 with his rushing, receiving and kick return skills. UTEP's offense underwent a night-and-day turnaround, it started with Jackson as he was the main cog in the attack. "Howard Jackson may be the best player in the country that few people have heard of," said tight ends coach Brian Natkin, one of the few coaches who was held over from the previous staff and has seen what Jackson can do. "I really believe a lot more people will know about him at the end of the 2004 season." "He has tremendous speed and a knack for making people miss," said Natkin. "He can single-handedly impact a game, and you don't find many guys who can do that."

Personal: Howard is the son of Howard Glenn and Betty Jackson. Graduating as a criminal justice major. He holds the Texas state high school record in the long jump. In his senior year, he returned three kickoffs, all for touchdowns. A member of UTEP’s Track & Field team.