"A lot of times a player has a lot of versatility. That's really what their strength is and what their role is."

-- Bill Belichick


Times Correspondent

STAMFORD -- Eric Joyner is a well spring of athletic talent packed in a compact frame, but what sets him apart is a heart and desire that makes him able to fill his most important role on his team.

He is a football player. To define Joyner, a senior at King Low Heywood Thomas, by a position on a roster would be neglecting to notice all the holes he fills on the squad.

He is the Viking's top defensive back, wide receiver, kick returner, kicker and punter. In any given game, he will also see time at tailback and quarterback and, with his speed and if he wasn't so soft-spoken, he could probably do the public address announcements and still make it back to the huddle for the next play to be called.

But maybe even more importantly, playing in the shadow of two teammates with big time college football futures, he is the ultimate teammate.

That's because with all he does, it was his blocking that came to his mind first when asked how he measures his performance.

"I just focus on whether I get better, did I make any mistakes, did I hold my blocks so Si (Silas Redd) could score when he's running to my side or did I miss a block and did he get tackled," said Joyner. "Did Kevin (Pierre-Louis) get tackled? Did I make a mistake? I'm just trying to build up (my game)."

It is this football maturity that defines his greatness on a team that has two other great players in Redd and Pierre-Louis, who are taking their gridiron talents to Penn State and Boston College, respectively.

Joyner can find fulfillment in subjugating his statistical value in throwing blocks. But don't think those teammates don't appreciate his value. Redd calls Joyner the "X-factor."

Joyner came to the King campus in eighth grade as a quarterback, but was moved to running back as a freshman. His variety of skills allowed his role to evolve into many roles, which could have complicated things in his career.

Joyner adjusted and excelled with every new assignment until he became the 48-minute man.

"I have a lot of responsibility, but I have been doing it for three years now," said Joyner. "I can handle it."

Joyner is undecided about where to go to college and is a gifted baseball player as well. He recognizes that his two running mates are fortunate to have college mapped out already and has a great admiration for their skills.

"They're animals. They are ahead of everyone. I'm just pacing myself for the season," said Joyner. "It would be nice to know where I am going, but in a way it makes it more exciting and makes me work harder."

King head coach Dan Gouin knows better than anybody what a difference having Joyner on his team makes. He also recognizes that Joyner's rewards do not always involve an end zone celebration, but he does set up those moments for many other players.

Gouin said the fact there is no jealousy within his gifted trio is a very important factor in making the Vikings winners. Joyner never complains about his role.

"Silas and Kevin don't make all the big runs they make without Eric blocking on the outside. We don't enjoy the field position we have 99 percent of the time without Eric back there returning kicks and giving us short fields," said Gouin. "I really feel bad for him at times because he just doesn't get the notice because he is who he is and that's not the way he thinks, he just doesn't get the credit he deserves."

His coach said there are a lot of college coaches who still are missing the boat when it comes to Joyner, but the one who finally does get him will have no regrets.

"Whoever takes this kid this fall, whether it be a Big East team, an ACC team, whether it's a sub-division team, they are probably going to get the most versatile player out of the three," Gouin said.

And remember versatility is a trait great coaches like Bill Belichick doesn't over look and he doesn't miss much.