MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -Minnesota kick returner Harold Howell was dismissed from the team for academic reasons.

Coach Tim Brewster said Tuesday that Howell was cut for violations of academic and team guidelines.

Brewster promised big things from the speedy, 5-foot-8 Howell after recruiting him out of Jacksonville, Fla., last year.

In his first season, Howell appeared in 10 games as a reserve receiver and return man. He averaged 23.1 yards on kick returns.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.