Calhoun High School’s Thomas Lester (2) runs the ball into the end zone against Cedar Grove High School.CALHOUN Ga. — Make no mistake, Thomas Lester has one goal in mind in the coming weeks: Lead Calhoun back to the Georgia Dome.
The senior safety and receiver, however, wouldn’t mind if a little individual attention came his way on the way to Atlanta. If last week is any indication, the 6-foot, 195-pounder won’t have to worry.
Lester, a full-time starter on defense whose playing time has been limited offensively because of his importance at safety, broke out offensively with six catches for 164 yards and a touchdown against Cedar Grove.
The breakthrough outing gave coach Hal Lamb an opportunity to praise a player he believes is getting overlooked on the recruiting circuit.
“A lot of people are missing the boat on Thomas,” Lamb said. “He’s a quite leader for our team and a tremendous kid, but he’s also a great athlete. He power-cleans 325 pounds and he’s a legit 4.5 (40-yard-dash) kid who is very physical and intense. I just don’t understand why he’s not getting more looks. He has an offer from (NCAA Division II member) West Georgia, but he’s least an FCS player, in my opinion.”