PORT NECHES — Hearken back, if you will, to a time 30 years ago when a future NFL Hall of Famer could start his career as a tackle before moving to both guard and center for the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans.
The kind of versatility Bruce Matthews showed in his 20-year NFL career is very reminiscent of the latest leader on Port Neches-Groves offensive line.
Justin Reasons may not be old enough to remember Matthews, but the left tackle has played all the different positions on the offensive line, including a game last season when he started at center and finished at right tackle.
“I like that the coaches can be that kind of all-purpose player,” Reasons said. “During the Nederland game, at halftime, I had to switch. I think it makes me a better player, because I know what everyone else is doing. If the coaches need me or if someone gets hurt, I can help out.
“I had played a little bit of tackle during my JV years, but being such a big game, I was a little nervous. It was pretty intense, but I did my best.”
Reasons also has the distinction of being the only senior on a young, but experienced offensive line. He’s one of three returning starters, but his move outside will mark the fourth position he’s started at since his sophomore year.
Starting with Greg “Lumpy” Lunceford and following through last year’s left tackle Kyler Nicotre, PN-G is building up quite a legacy on the offensive line. It’s a role Reasons is only happy to fill and hoping to pass on to one of his teammates next season.
“I’ve found myself as a leader over there, as the only senior on this line,” Reasons said. “At first it was Lumpy, then last year it was Kyler, and hopefully it’s me now. I hope to pass it on to Chris Mangini and I definitely see a leadership role that almost moves down.”
The offensive line on most football teams is very dependent on good chemistry. A line that isn’t working together as a unit will not produce even with a host of talented players.
PN-G head coach Brandon Faircloth said that the Indian offensive line definitely has that intangible quality and that having Reasons as a leader helps things along.
“They’re a little family on that offensive line,” Faircloth said. “They’ve got their own language and mannerisms. Justin is definitely the leader of our offensive line, and we expected that out of him as the only senior in that group. He’s always been a hard worker and is a leader with both his words and his actions. He also works great with those juniors we have out there, so we’re hoping he can leave a little legacy that we’ve had here the past couple of years.”
Even though the Indians have a left-handed quarterback, the left tackle position is still very important in the offense, even if it’s not on the QB’s blind side.
Reasons has made a solid transition over to that position for the Indians and has exceled in both pass protection and run blocking.
“I think he’s going to be a really good college lineman,” Faircloth said. “He’s got great feet and is very strong. He’s really good at both pass and run blocking. He’s very aggressive in run blocking and always wants to finish a play with his defender on the ground. To be good as a run blocker, you have to be able to turn a switch, and I think he’s got that.”
College teams have taken notice, too, as Reasons already has five or six scholarship offers. All of those are from Southland teams, but he said he’s talked to teams from all over.
“I worked really hard this summer, and I think my size and strength has improved,” Reasons said. “At first, it was almost unexpected. One offer came up and then others did. It was stressful at first, because you’re having to think about so many different things. I probably went to 15 different camps this summer, but it’s narrowing down now. I’ve got a few places in mind now.
“You have to make it fun. I think it’ll probably be halfway through the season or towards the end (before I make a decision). Right now, I plan to be committed before the end of the season.”
INDIAN INKLINGS: The son of Olga Reasons, Justin couldn’t find much playing time in his sophomore season because of the four senior offensive linemen PN-G had at the time. But, he did get to play in a playoff game that year at guard. ... The Indians will continue the quarterback rotation they showed last Friday against West Orange-Stark, with sophomore Ky Walker and senior A.J. Smith splitting series. “I look at them more as complementary players,” Faircloth said. “There’s thinks Ky does better that A.J. and there’s things A.J. does better than Ky. We’ll try to maximize those things when they’re in the game.” The 6-foot-5 Smith started working a little at wide receiver leading up to last week’s game, to give PN-G another weapon when he’s not behind center. ... Tight end Tim Clopton is leading District 20-4A in receiving and now has 12 catches for 109 yards on the season. He also has caught a touchdown pass in each of the last two games. LC-M’s Casey Viator is tied with Clopton for the district lead with 12 catches for 144 yards.

FIVE QUESTIONS
Favorite food: Chinese
Favorite movie: The Blind Side
Favorite NFL team: San Diego Chargers
Favorite color: White
If you could play another position, what would it be? Center