Nasty.

Not exactly the word you would expect to be used when describing a pastor鈥檚 son. But that is one of the first things Jeff Alamolhoda says when describing Jeremy Preston.

Preston is a linebacker for the 91原创 Rams junior football team.

鈥淗e is a different guy on and off the field,鈥� said Alamolhoda, the Rams鈥� head coach.

鈥淥ff the field, he is very nice, he is caring, he is soft-spoken, a happy guy, always smiling.

鈥淥n the field, he is nasty and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is going to smack you and then he is going to let you know he is going to smack you all day.

鈥淭hat is the type of linebacker we like: he makes plays and finishes them.鈥�

After hearing a description like that, one might expect to meet an ill-tempered young man, but Preston is quite the opposite.

After all, how many other linebackers spend their spring break in a tiny town outside of Mexico City helping build houses and paint them for the less fortunate?

That is exactly what Preston did last spring.

鈥淚t was a really cool thing to experience, it puts life into perspective for you,鈥� Preston explained.

The trip was organized through his church.

This was not the first time he had made the trip either, but the other times he went, Preston was much younger.

鈥淛ust the happiness of the people,鈥� he said about what stood out most to him.

鈥淭hey were just happy for what they do have.鈥�

Preston brings that same hard-working attitude to the football field.

Preston, who is from Whalley, has played football since he was five years old and played high school football with the Holy Cross Crusaders.

鈥淚 love the intensity and I love to hit people,鈥� he said with a smile.

Preston came to the Rams on his own and approached the team for a tryout. And Alamolhoda knew quickly he had a player.

鈥淭he very first time he came out, we knew he was going to make our team,鈥� Alamolhoda said.

鈥淗e is a high energy guy, a high motor guy who flies around the field.

鈥淗e never quits and just shows up and works hard.鈥�