DEFENSIVE CONVERT SWITCH IN FOCUS HELPS VASQUEZ AND VALENCIA.

Byline: Heather Gripp  Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Chris Vasquez is known for his football knowledge. It's one of his biggest assets as the most experienced member of the Valencia High football's defense.

But Vasquez didn't need to know too much about football to know that any running back on the same team as star running back Charles Burnley wouldn't get much action. Vasquez shifted his focus last season to learning to be a defensive back and the senior safety is now a centerpiece of a young defensive unit that is hoping to help the Vikings to their first Foothill League title.

``He has very good hands, very good instincts and he's very aggressive'' Vikings coach Brian Stiman said. ``And he's not afraid of contact. He's a hard hitter. Plus, he has the experience.

``Having a 14-game experience, that's huge. You can't replace that. We have some great ball players on our team and if they had 14 games of varsity experience, it'd be unbelievable. It is totally valuable.''

Although it's difficult to tell from his play, Vasquez's experience at safety consists of just last season.

He started at running back as a freshman and sophomore on the Vikings' lower-level teams. He ran for more than 1,000 yards as a freshman.

``Charles,'' Vasquez said, giving the simple explanation for his change of positions. ``At running back, you're not going to get to do much as long as he's here. I knew I had to play somewhere else if I wanted to play.''

The move ended up being an enjoyable one.

``It was actually fun because I get to see the whole field,'' Vasquez said. ``It's easier for me. And it's fun, I like to hit people.''

At 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, Vasquez is one of the smaller players on the team, but he is also one of the hardest hitters.

Vasquez does get a chance to show off his running. Among his biggest plays was last season against previously undefeated Crescenta Valley. On the Falcons' opening drive, Vasquez made an interception near the end zone and ran it back to the 50, setting the tone for a Valencia victory.

His previous experience on offense makes it easier for him to read what the opposition is trying to do, he said.

``He's a football-mentality guy,'' said Valencia senior Steven Wright, who has been a teammate of Vasquez's since before high school and used to be a defensive back himself before taking over as starting quarterback this season. ``He really knows the game. He's a great player. He calls all the coverages for everything. He's the main guy, he's the main operator out there.

``He was learning everything last year, but toward the end of the season, he started taking charge more. Now, he's totally in control.''

Vasquez is well aware of his role and cherishes such responsibility.

``Coach tells me, `You and the inside linebacker are the only returning players on defense,' '' Vasquez said. ``I don't forget that. I take control of the team. ... It feels good. If we mess up, it's on me. It makes me work harder.''

VASQUEZ FILE

Name: Chris Vasquez

Team: Valencia football

Position: Safety

Year: Senior

Quote: ``He could play beyond high school if he wanted to. With Chris, he could be as much as he wants to be. It all depends on how much he wants to push himself.''

- Valencia coach Brian Stiman

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Valencia senior Chris Vasquez uses his offensive knowledge as a former running back to excel at safety and lead a young Vikings defense.

David Crane/Staff Photographer

Box:

VASQUEZ FILE (see text)