The Courier’s High School Football Preview – Omar Mohran a Bulldog from Kansas

Long Island City Coach Stephen Agresti knew his new running back Omar Mohran was different the moment they met. It was the first day of practice, a muggy August afternoon, when the kid approached him, properly introducing himself, firmly shaking the coach's hand.
Mohran told Agresti his story - he had recently moved back to northwest Queens from Lawrence, Kansas, where he was a two-year letterman at Lawrence High School, a state semifinalist last fall. &#8220He didn't have the proper paperwork, so I said ‘how quick can you get it,' ” Agresti recalled. &#8220He said ‘give me two hours.' He got registered into the school, got a medical, all within two hours. He showed me he was so determined to play.”
Not only was Mohran determined to join the Bulldogs on the gridiron, but he quickly displayed an ability that has Agresti quite excited. At 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, Mohran is a compact, bulldozing tailback, a downhill runner with spellbinding speed. &#8220He's a great athlete,” Agresti said. &#8220You're going to enjoy watching the kid run. He's a pure runner.”
It's a completely new world for Mohran, who just a few months ago was the smallest man on a program that produces two or three Division 1 football players each season. The differences on the football field, he said, between New York City and rural Kansas are vast. In Lawrence, he was a defensive back and the third-string halfback. But he learned a lot after moving away from the city as an eighth grader; he matured and developed as a player.
&#8220I really don't even know if I would've been on the football team if I stayed in the city,” he said. &#8220If I wouldn't have moved to Kansas, I wouldn't be who I am. Over there, all you do is play football.”
Yet he yearned for a return trip home, a chance to make a name for himself. &#8220I just had to come back to the city,” he said. &#8220I like the city; I missed it. I thought I had a better chance of going somewhere [for college] if I came back and played.”
Now that he's back in the Big Apple, he can't wait to suit up for LIC and earn some much-deserved recognition. &#8220I'm going to get to do my own thing,” he said, smiling. &#8220I'm going to get a lot of carries.”
Much like Agresti, his teammates have been duly impressed. &#8220He's as fast as a lightning bolt,” LIC quarterback Haris Lekaj said. &#8220So far, he looks great.”
Mohran, additionally, isn't the usual city kid. Despite his talents, he rarely talks, allowing his play to speak for itself. &#8220He's not cocky at all,” Agresti said.
Plus, he could care less where he plays. When Mohran first approached Agresti on that August afternoon, the coach asked him if he could play offensive line. &#8220He said ‘anywhere you want me to play, I'll play,' ” Agresti said.
One gets the feeling Mohran won't be down in the trenches too much this fall.