Amidst the challenges, worries and confusion of beginning a new school, junior transfer Aaron Hedrick has begun the year with the added responsibility of playing on the varsity football team. Despite his unfamiliar surroundings, Hedrick feels comfortable on his new team.

?I am excited to play here,? Hedrick said. ?My dad told me I would know a few of the players here. I also used to play Pop Warner (a youth football league) with one of them in Kingsburg.?

Despite the transfer signifying a new beginning for Hedrick, he competes with veteran experience on the football field.

?This is a fresh start because I did not have a good experience while at Kingsburg High,” Hedrick said. “So I have high hopes here. I have been playing football for five years. I love hitting players and juking them.?

Varsity offensive coordinator Robert Foshee utilizes Hedrick’s ability to play wide receiver.

?Aaron brings different experience and that benefits the team,? Foshee said. ?He also brings a competitive spirit and adds to our team speed.?

According to quarterback and teammate Eric Kister, ’10, Hedrick greatly contributes to the offense.

?He’s a great receiver,? Kister said. ?He is elusive and that helps with the pass offense.?

While playing two of his five years of football at Kingsburg High, a Division IV school, Hedrick played only on defense.

?The transition is a real challenge,? Hedrick said. ?I was used to only playing on defense, while here I have to play both ways since we only have 18 players.?

With Hedrick also at cornerback, fellow cornerback and wide receiver Landon Martens, ’10, gains the ability to split the load defensively.

?He is really fast,? Martens said. ?He has fast reactions and that ability helps with covering receiver.?

Hedrick receives support and inspiration from his family on and off the field.

?My whole family pushes me to excel,? Hedrick said. ?My older brothers Jarrett, Michael and Derek inspire me because I remember watching them play.?

While not participating in sports, Hedrick likes to spend his free time outdoors with his brothers.

?I really enjoy fishing and I love snowboarding,? Hedrick said. ?I grew up fishing with my brothers. I also snowboard cause its really fun.?

Hedrick will play his next game with the Eagles at home against Mission Prep at Clark Intermediate in Clovis, Sept. 26. The game will begin at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the team, check out the Football sport shorts or e-mail Foshee.