As football teammates for the Whitman varsity in 2003, Tyler and Pat Lazear seemed juxtaposed physically. While big brother Tyler, a senior, was a lithe, 6-foot, 160-pound quarterback, little brother Pat, a freshman, was a bruising, 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker.
Three years later, the Lazear brothers are juxtaposed still. This week, while Tyler prepares for the biggest start of his college career as a sophomore quarterback at Shepherd (W.Va.) University, Pat is set to stand trial for armed robbery, one of five former Whitman student-athletes accused of stealing $463 from a Bethesda Smoothie King.
While Tyler’s college career is starting to bloom, Pat wonders when his will begin. He is the No. 4 rated player in Maryland (rivals.com) with offers from schools such as Ohio State. But those are pending the result of his court case.
These are days of a wide range of emotions in the Lazear household. Oh to be at Lakin Field Saturday, with his only concern the defense of Bloomsburg (11-1) in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. But that’s not the reality for Tyler Lazear.
“It’s a tough time for everybody,” said Lazear. “We’re seeing some encouraging things now with the case. We have hope that it will work out.”
This was to be an understudy season for Lazear, waiting behind Dan Chlebowski, who has led the Rams to a 22-1 record the last two seasons. But in a playoff opener Saturday against Merrimack, Chlebowski sustained a knee injury in the first half. Lazear stepped in and completed 6 of 11 passes for 73 yards and a key touchdown pass, guiding Shepherd to a 31-7 victory.
With a win Saturday, Shepherd will advance to the Division II semifinals for the first time in history and a national television date (ESPN2).
“It’s all about confidence now,” said Lazear. “Up to this point, nobody’s seen my leadership qualities. Being a backup, I wasn’t in position to lead. Now it’s my time. I’m looking forward to that.”
Shepherdstown is only an hour west of Bethesda, but Lazear took a circuitous route. After leading Whitman to its first undefeated regular season and being named Montgomery County Player of the Year in two publications, Lazear signed with Army. But six weeks of cadet training convinced Lazear he had made a mistake.
“I realized that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. It’s a huge commitment, 11-years,” said Lazear. “I’m very free willed. I don’t like people taking control of my life. There were a few gung ho people there. But it seemed to me that nobody was truly happy.”
PAT LAZEAR TO PLEA
» According to Paul Kemp, attorney for Pat Lazear, he will present a plea agreement in Montgomery County Circuit Court this morning, in hopes of avoiding a jury trial. Lazear is one of five former Whitman students charged with armed robbery of a Bethesda Smoothie King in March.
» Last week, a jury found one of the accused, Justin Schweiger, guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
» Last month, in the same case, Robert Warren, pled guilty to first-degree armed robbery. He received a sentence of four years, all but 30 days of which were suspended.
