Haris Hones In – First-year QB is putting up impressive numbers in initial season under center

The undefeated Long Island City Bulldogs are in a tight first-place showdown with McKee Staten Island Tech on a cool Saturday afternoon in October. Their first-year quarterback, senior Haris Lekaj, is frantically searching. Sweat is dripping off his face. Time is winding down.
He can't find his right-handed glove, the one he wears during every defensive series. &#8220He looked like a kid without his teddy bear,” LIC Coach Stephen Agresti joked.
It was, however, the only moment Lekaj was flustered amidst another brilliant performance.
The day was like so many others for Lekaj, arguably the top double threat Queens has to offer on the gridiron - in the Catholic League or Public School Athletic League - this fall.
Through five games, he leads the Cup Division in touchdown passes with 11, ranks first in yards with 860, second in completions with 41, has rushed for 133 yards, three scores and a pair of 2-point conversions in addition to his immaculate 142.93 QB Rating. Forget his defensive stats - 44 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 interceptions - Lekaj is the engine that makes the Bulldogs' top-rated offense (29.2 PPG) go.
&#8220He is really like a quadruple threat,” Agresti said. &#8220He's a threat at safety, he's a threat to run the ball, he's a threat to throw the ball, and we have a few plays for him as a receiver.”
Always a talented strong safety, Lekaj finally earned the starting nod under center this season after serving as the backup the last two years. He's making up for lost time thus far. &#8220My time has come,” he said. &#8220I have to make up for it right now, make up for all those years right now.” Oh yeah, he led LIC in receiving last year, too.
The talkative, often cocky Lekaj doesn't harbor any ill will towards Agresti or the quarterbacks who beat him out - Jerome Scott in 2005 and Jubail Akut in 2004. &#8220I was frustrated to not help my team,” he said. &#8220I felt I was better than those kids.”
Somehow, despite taking his first high school snap this September, Lekaj seems at ease in the pocket, aware of incoming blitzers or linemen whizzing past his offensive lineman. He never gets happy feet or releases the ball too quickly. He has astounding patience, feeling the rush from the blind side, impeccably taking off in the right direction.
&#8220He's not afraid to take a hit,” Agresti explained.
When sensational wide receiver Troy Walker, who's hauled in six touchdown passes from Lekaj, was first informed the starting quarterback was also the same loudmouth, playmaking safety, he was bewildered. &#8220What if he gets hurt?” Walker remembered thinking. Then he saw the Long Island City native run the offense, and understood. &#8220I knew why he was playing both positions.”
If starting at quarterback and strong safety isn't enough, Lekaj also stays on the field during special teams, blocking. He can't bear to miss a single play.
&#8220I don't get tired,” he said, as serious as his season has been impressive. &#8220It's all about being an athlete. … I don't like breaks. I don't like being off the field.”
Lekaj has yet to gain serious interest from any colleges, not even a Division III school. It doesn't mean his football career will end this season. He'll play at any level or even walk-on. His versatility will surely not hurt. &#8220I'm going to try to go both ways, whatever they need,” he said. &#8220[They can] put me wherever they want me.”