Going into his third season as a varsity SHS football player, senior Ryan Lezon will line up at an impact position, but not the same one he has in years past.

“He’s always kind of been just one of those overall outstanding athletes,” head coach Brandon Winters said.

After accepting a full-ride scholarship to Ball State University in Muncie to play wide receiver, the position he played last year, Lezon will be taking on a new challenge as the quarterback for this upcoming season.

“He adjusts pretty quickly with just about anything,” Winters said. “He’s a really talented player. He’s very intelligent.”

As a junior, Lezon led the team with 74 receptions, 1,069 receiving yards and 14 touchdown receptions. Lezon was also selected for the All Conference Indiana, All Marion County, All State and All USA Super Team this past season. 

Although this is Lezon’s first year as a varsity quarterback and he’s working with many young wide receivers, the team still has high expectations for themselves this year.

“Just win the first game, win conference, win a Sectional Championship,” Lezon said. “That’s everybody’s goal, and that’s what I want to do.”

Lezon accomplished his first goal by leading the Cards to a 35-10 victory over Roncalli High School on Friday, Aug. 23. Lezon led the team in rushing, with 151 yards, and passing yards, with 81.

Last season, the team had 13 seniors who played on offense, but this year Lezon and senior tight end Matthew Muñoz are two of only eight. These two have had to take on bigger leadership roles this season. 

“It’s a lot different…,” Muñoz said. “This year I kind of got to take some (players) under my wing, so it’s a good challenge for me.”

Since it’s the first time he’s been under center since his freshman season, Lezon has had some struggles of his own in his transition. According to Winters, there are times when Lezon can be too competitive.

“(Lezon) just tries to win every play,” Winters said. “Sometimes when you’re the quarterback, you just have to not make a big mistake.”

Lezon has big shoes to fill following a record-breaking season by former SHS and current Ball State University quarterback Eddie Schott. Schott stepped up during his senior season at SHS last year and managed to break the previous quarterback, Luke Johnston’s, record for most passing yards in a single season with 3,238.

“(Lezon) has different strengths than (Schott) does,” Muñoz said.

“They’re both great though.” According to Winters, Lezon is already comfortable in his new varsity position.

Lezon has plans for the future ahead of him, playing at Ball State University beside his former quarterback. But Lezon, along with many of his teammates, is focused on the season directly ahead of him. 

“I’m super excited,” Lezon said. “I’m ready to get up (to Ball State University), but we got a job to do for my senior year.”