LaShon Harris was a sophomore linebacker when Odessa High defensive coordinator Mike Munguia threw him into the pool.

Sink or swim.

That watershed moment during the 2005 season opened the adrenaline glands in Harris and the eyes of every opposing coach in District 3-5A.

“The game was so much faster than I was used to,” Harris said. “I didn’t know what I was doing, I was just trying to find the football.

“But during the spring before my junior year, the game really slowed down and I was able to understand what I needed to do and where I needed to go. I’m still learning, but I’m a lot more comfortable out there.”

Harris’ increased comfort level likely will mean a much more uncomfortable autumn for opposing running backs, tight ends and quarterbacks.

Already gifted with an innate ability to find the football in a crowd, Harris has been elected by his teammates as one of the team’s captains.

OHS head coach Ron King and Munguia are looking to the senior to inspire those around him.

“LaShon is a leader and that’s what we expect him to be this year,” King said. “This is his third year in the system and he knows his reads and his keys and should be able to impact football games.

“He’s not going to be a rah-rah type of leader, but will let his actions do the talking for him.”

If that is true, Harris spoke volumes for the Bronchos last year.

He led the team in solo tackles with 50, caused one fumble, recovered two others and finished with two tackles for a loss.

Harris also worked well in pass defense, taking care of the tight ends on his side, along with chasing down running backs in the flat on screen or swing routes.

“I’m glad I only have to play against him in practice,” Bronchos quarterback David Camacho said.

“He gets to the ball and he’s going to hit you hard.”

That’s what King and the rest of the coaching staff is counting on during each play — in practice and in games. They know that the attitude Harris brings to the field quickly filters through the defensive huddle to his teammates.

While all else around him is spinning out of control, Harris is going to have to be the eye of the storm for the Bronchos defensive unit. Especially since the defensive unit likely will be the side of the ball that jells the quickest in the early part of the season.

With six starters who saw significant playing time last year gathered around him, Harris is excited about the task in front of him.

“I think this team is good enough to make the playoffs,” Harris said. “I thought we were good enough last year and just weren’t able to finish a couple of games.

“I worked hard during spring and have been lifting and running all summer to get ready for this season. It’s been too long since OHS was in the playoffs and this team can be the one to change that.”