The last laugh

Whether it’s bursting through the line for big yards as a running

back, or picking off a passes as a defensive back, being a successful

football player is serious business for Thomas Kyle.

Although the Burroughs High senior exudes a stoic attitude on the

gridiron, Kyle also has a jovial and gregarious demeanor off the

field.

“The thing about Thomas is he is actually a humorous kind of guy,”

Burroughs Coach Keith Knoop said. “He’s always finding a reason to

laugh, either at somebody, or at himself. Some times he doesn’t know

when not to laugh. He really keeps things light.”

Although he likes to kid and laugh with his teammates, during

games, the joke is usually on the opponents who have tried to contain

Kyle the last three years.

Kyle, a 5-foot-7, 160-pound speedster who runs the 40-yard dash in

4.49 seconds, said he likes to keep the atmosphere light in the wake

of the seriousness often equated with football.

“I just like to have fun. That’s my personality,” Kyle said. “For

me, I try and make the most of football.

“There is a time to be serious, but when you take things too

seriously, that’s when it can affect your game. And for me to be

successful, I have to have fun.”

Kyle has proven to be a valuable asset for the Indians since

breaking onto the varsity scene three seasons ago as a sophomore. And

he has continued to be impressive the first two games of this season,

helping Burroughs to a 2-0 record.

Kyle and Burroughs will face their toughest test of the season

Thursday when they take on a visiting St. Francis at 7 p.m. in a

nonleague game at Memorial Field. The Golden Knights are also 2-0 and

are ranked No. 2 in CIF Southern Section Division I.

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If speed does indeed kill, Kyle has used his quickness to dispose

of many a would-be tackler. His speed is something the senior takes

pride in showcasing.

“If I didn’t have the speed that I have, I don’t think I would

have been as successful,” said Kyle, who attended a Nike

developmental camp over the summer to help with his speed and

strength. “I am thankful of my speed, and I try and work hard at

maintaining it.”

That speed, along with his talent as a running back, has helped

Kyle thrive. In two games, he has carried the ball 28 times and

gained 232 yards, averaging 8.3 yards a carry. His longest run was 52

yards and he has scored three touchdowns.

Kyle has been able to come back strong this season after being

banged up during the 2004 campaign. Despite suffering a variety of

nagging injuries, he still gained 942 yards in 165 carries (5.7 yards

a carry) and scored nine touchdowns a year ago.

“Thomas is healthier than a horse right now, and he’s quicker and

stronger than last season,” Knoop said.

“The thing about Thomas is that he is just so tough. He can take

three or four big hits and break big guys’ tackles. He can also catch

very well, and a lot of people don’t know it, but he can also throw

pretty well.

“He is just one of those dynamic players.”

Knoop said although Kyle is best known for his exploits on

offense, his player is also a talented defensive back for the

Indians.

“He is a great cover guy because he is just so calm on defense,”

he said. “He never feels like he’s beaten on a play. He will even

let a receiver get a couple of steps on him, get the quarterback to

throw it, and step up in front of the ball.”

As a sophomore, Kyle earned Foothill League second-team honors

after running for 1,017 yards in 129 carries (8.4 yards a carry) for

six touchdowns. A good chunk of that yardage came against tough

league opponents. In fact, he rushed for 203 yards against

powerhouse league champion Hart and had 208 against Saugus.

One of Kyle’s goals this season is to break the all-time Burroughs

career rushing mark of 2,584 yards set by Mike Perez from 1999-01.

Going into Thursday’s game, Kyle has 2,181 career yards, just 403

shy of the record.

“To get that record would mean a lot to me,” Kyle said. “I would

be very proud of that.”

If he does get the record, there is no doubt Kyle will look back

at his accomplishment years from now with a sense of accomplishment.

But for now, he’s just laughing -- all the way to the record

books.