The Erick Howard who , the Erick Howard who sat in shackles wearing a red jail jumpsuit and awaiting his sentence for a crime — it wasn't the Erick Howard that Don Hertler Jr. knew. Hertler, head football coach for and friend of Howard, told Judge Taryn L. Heath about the young Erick Howard — a kid who got thrown into a detention center after fighting with someone who called him the N-word.

Howard's been fatherless since age 5 and has been a son to Hertler, who doesn't have kids of his own. Howard had spent nine months living with Hertler during his junior year of high school, when he began making a name for himself on the football field. "Some kids need guidance more than others," Hertler said. "Erick was one of those kids."

Hertler and others spoke of Howard's good points Tuesday during his sentencing hearing. Heath doled out a 30-year sentence for Howard's involvement in an Aug. 20 home invasion and rape. Howard, 20, of North Canton, broke into the a townhouse in the 1100 block of Sunford Avenue in North Canton in the early morning of Aug. 20. He and another man tied up a young couple with duct tape, and Howard raped the female resident by inserting a gun or his fingers in her vagina before leaving with their cash and cellphones.

A of aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, rape and kidnapping, all carrying firearm specifications, after a three-day trial last week. Co-defendants Seth R. Obermiller, who helped rob the couple, and Michael A. Taylor, who served as the lookout that morning, both testified against Howard as part of a plea agreement.

Howard, a two-time Mr. Football recipient and all-star football player, appeared in Stark County Common Pleas Court along with Defense Attorney Rufus Sims that day.

Hertler said Howard never was disrespectful to his teachers, nor was he boastful about his football success. What's more, he hadn't been in trouble other than his scuffle in middle school. He said he hoped Howard could see his two children grow up and be released from prison and help others — something he's meant to do.