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FRANK PASTORJames Thomas might give up defense to be Hernando's quarterback.
BROOKSVILLE - James Thomas bench-presses more than 300 pounds. He is one of Hernando's hardest hitters.
And he has a year of starting experience in the secondary.
So, why is coach Matt Smith considering not playing the 5-foot-9, 185-pound junior on defense this season?
Because Thomas also happens to be the Leopards' quarterback.
"It's hard to play a lot of defense when you're the quarterback," Smith said. "Sometimes, you can do it. But a lot of coaches don't want to get the quarterback banged up."
Especially Thomas, the only returnee who took varsity snaps in practice last season.
Nicknamed "L.J." (for "Little James," because his father's name is James), Thomas backed up Antonio Brown, who transferred to Gainesville Buchholz after the fall semester, and Heath Hensley, who graduated.
"We're expecting big things from him," Smith said. "I fully expect L.J. to step in and help our team win."
Though he practiced at the position last year, Thomas has not played quarterback in a game since his freshman season, when he was on the junior varsity. He averaged 8.1 yards on 15 carries while seeing spot duty as a varsity running back last year.
Since then, Hernando has switched coaches and backfield sets.
After rushing for more than 3,000 yards out of a wing-T the past several seasons, the Leopards plan to attack the line of scrimmage more quickly and pass more in Smith's first year.
"If it's open," Smith said, "we're going to take it."
Who better, then, to have at the helm than Thomas, who poses a double threat?
"He's athletic, he has good wheels and he's a very intelligent kid," Smith said. "So far up to this point in practice, he's shown he can control the offense and I fully expect him to be able to manage a football game from that position."
Brown, who accounted for nearly 900 total yards and 10 touchdowns last season, moved in the winter to live with his uncle, Olympic sprinter and former Florida and Hernando star John Capel.
Though surprised by Brown's decision, Thomas said he immediately recognized its implications.
"I just knew I was going to have a lot on my back," Thomas said. "But with the team that I have, I know it's possible for me to do it."
The strong-armed Thomas looks forward to the chance to pass more in Hernando's new offense but knows teammates and coaches will look to him primarily to control the Leopards' running game and, therefore, the clock.
"As long as we're gaining ground," he said, "it doesn't matter."
Even if it means sitting out on defense.
- Frank Pastor can be reached at 800 333-7505, ext. 1430. Send e-mail to pastor@sptimes.com