TAMPA -- The BIG EAST has been shell-shocked this week by the news of the fatal stabbing of UConn defensive back Jasper Howard.

Howard was a native of Miami, who attended Miaimi Edison HS.  USF has had several players from Edison during its history, including most recently, Marc Dile and Bource Mompremier.

Dile and Mompremier aren't the only Bulls with ties to Howard though. 

Junior linebacker Sabbath Joseph was good friends with Howard through years of football.

"Last time I saw him was Memorial Day weekend," said Joseph. "I told him I was proud of him and told him to keep up the good work.   Not a lot of guys from down there (Miami) get the chance to do what we are doing and stay focused.  Jasper was a very good man, who was talented and blessed."

Like many in the conference, he woke up on Sunday to the devastating news.

"When I found out it really shocked me," said Joseph. "It's the type of phone call you don't expect, you don't want."

"I watched him play against Louisvile the night before. He had an excellent game and I was just happy for him. And then to find out the next morning tragic news like that, it's very sad... very sad to have someon like that taken away from you."

Joseph said he plans to pay tribute to Howard this weekend when the Bulls take the field against Pitt.

Watch Joseph's Interview on BullsVision