Senior Brok Greenleaf will have a lot more to say around the younger members of the Central High School football team this fall.
And if they're smart, they'll listen to him.
Not just because the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Greenleaf will be a second-year starter at offensive tackle for the Scarlet Dragons. He's also got plenty above the collar besides a football helmet - ranking fifth in his class academically, with plans to study for a career as a pharmacist next year at the University of Pittsburgh.
"Brok is a good student and a very intelligent player who is really committed to our football program,'' Central coach A.J. Hoenstine said. "He works really hard in the weight room, and he understands that as a senior, he will be needed to be more of a vocal leader this year. He will do what he has to do in order to get his teammates ready to go.''
Greenleaf, who is also a member of Central's swimming and track teams, also acknowledges the importance of contributing vocal leadership.
"I've kind of kept my comments to myself over the past year, but this year, as a senior, I think it will be important for me to let the younger guys know about the direction this team is going, and how I feel about it,'' Greenleaf said.
Greenleaf is one of four returning starters on Central's offensive line. The others are guard Jacob Russell, center Travis Hetrick, and tight end Shane Cafferty. Billy Myers, who saw considerable playing time at the tackle spot opposite from Greenleaf last year but did not start, is also returning this season.
"They're all returning, but no position is set in stone,'' Hoenstine said. "Each of those guys will be pushed for playing time by [newcomers], which is a good thing. I think we'll have guys up front who are ready and prepared all season.''
Preparation won't be a problem for Greenleaf, who realizes the importance of an offensive line to a football team.
"The offensive line is a key component in the game of football,'' Greenleaf said. "In order for our team to move the football, our offensive line has to be working together and everybody has to be doing their jobs right.''
Central wants to improve upon last season, when the Dragons won four of 10 games.
"We're looking forward to this year, and we're ready to turn over a new leaf,'' Greenleaf said.
