By Adam Shapiro

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 10/25/09 – In an emotional display of sportsmanship before an NCAA football game between Connecticut and West Virginia Saturday, players from both teams stood united in a moment of silence to honor the tragic loss of Connecticut cornerback Jasper Howard.

The 20-year-old Howard, a native of Miami, was stabbed to death early last Sunday outside a university-sponsored dance hours after helping the Huskies emerge victorious over Louisville in its homecoming game. Since that time, no arrests have been made in connection with the heinous crime.

Howard’s untimely loss has weighed heavily on the team over the past week. Heading into today’s game against the No. 22 ranked Mountaineers, parents of team members are hoping that engaging in the physicality of football will help ease the pain and initiate the healing process. “It’s been a tough week, but what this game does is provide some normalcy to the kids,” parent Scott Edwards told The Associated Press. Edwards’ son Matt is a redshirt freshman defensive back for Connecticut. “It’s been a really terrible week, but it gets them back to what they know and love and it’s important for them to be back on the field,” he said. “By playing these guys today, they’re honoring Jasper Howard. It’s important for their healing and our healing as well.”

Mountaineer Field in Morgantown, West Virginia is infamous for its hostile crowds towards opponents. However, in a tremendous sign of respect, fans of the home side gave the visiting Huskies a lengthy standing ovation as they entered the stadium, while West Virginia head coach Bill Stewart and Connecticut head coach Randy Edsall embraced as the teams exchanged handshakes before kickoff. For added motivation, UConn players brought Howard’s No. 6 jersey and helmet to the game.

The admiration shown towards Howard was not exclusive to those just on the gridiron. Students at West Virginia wore heart-shaped pins and armbands with Howard’s number on them, while a large banner that read “Today we are all Huskies” was on display for well-wishers to sign.

“It means so much,” said West Virginia student Kacy Korczyk, who made the pins. “Just by him being a college student, I know he relates a lot to us. This being their first game, we needed to do something for it.”

Jasper Howard’s funeral is scheduled for Monday in Miami.