His coach has a difficult time deciding what he likes best about Hearne senior Lafrenzo Thomas.

There's his speed, which is very good for a 250-pound lineman. It could be his devotion to academics, which meant taking a tough class during athletics period and working out after school. It would be tough to rule out Thomas' leadership, shown last spring when he told Hearne coach Ralph Lymas that the Eagles needed to be more committed.

"He's the kind of kid you only coach once in a while," Lymas said. "He doesn't ask why. He just does what you ask him to do. He's a great kid. I just hope and pray that he stays injury-free."

Thomas has meant a great deal to the Eagles during three years on the varsity, never more than when he met with Lymas last spring to talk about what it would take for Hearne to have a great season.

"He really got my heart when he came in here during the spring and said they needed to recommit themselves to me, and to the program," Lymas said.

The heart of the matter, according to Thomas, is getting the Eagles to pull together. Thomas said that wasn't always that case when Hearne went 5-5 and lost in the first round of the playoffs last season.

"I wanted the team to be more together as a family," Thomas said. "Last year, it seemed like some of us were fighting against each other off the field and we weren't really connected as a family. It messed us up at the end."

Thomas can play guard or tackle on offense, most likely to start at guard. He is changing positions on defense, switching from last season's starting spot at tackle to end, where the Eagles must replace both starters.

"I want to see what I can do at end," Thomas said. "I think end's a little harder than tackle, because if you mess up and are out of the play, someone gets around you. I like defense better than offense. I guess it's because I'm aggressive and I like to hit. That's my main thing about football."

Lymas said Thomas has the combination of size and speed to play at the college level, possibly as a linebacker. The coach credits Thomas for losing quite a bit of weight since his freshman year, but perhaps it's the packaging. Thomas said he hasn't lost many pounds, but probably looks slimmed down because he's in better shape.

The chance to play football in college gives Thomas motivation to go with his desire to help the Eagles win.

"I have to prove myself," Thomas said. "I have to work harder and make sure I keep my grades up so I can get into a good college.

"I expect a lot. Since I'm a senior and I have to be a leader, I'm going to bring more energy and keep everybody together as a team."