Watershed season for Fremd's Lombard?

Making an early commitment to Notre Dame took a big burden off Christian Lombard's big shoulders.

But a burden of proof still exists for the 6-foot-5, 290-pound senior from Fremd who is regarded as one of the country's top high school offensive linemen.

"Even though I have a scholarship, I'm not taking anything for granted," Lombard said of his verbal commitment in early January to play for the Fighting Irish.

It eliminated a fall filled with recruiting-pitch calls from college coaches and a steady stream of questions and speculation on which school he's visiting next or leaning toward.

"Last year I felt like there was a lot more going on," Lombard said. "Right now I can focus on football and worry about the task at hand."

That hasn't diminished the responsibility Lombard feels he has for his third season as a varsity starter. After all, Lombard is not a typical offensive lineman operating in relative anonymity.

Not when the next stop is arguably college football's most storied program.

"I do need to show people why I'm going there and I think I do have something to prove," Lombard said. "I feel confident I can prove it."

In a way that will continue the tradition of one of the most successful programs in Mid-Suburban League history.

Lombard has already proven to Fremd head coach Mike Donatucci his ability to handle all the acclaim and attention.

"I can't say enough about the things he's done and making decisions based on education and not football," Donatucci said. "Just his demeanor with knowing people are trying to blow smoke up his butt - he's done a real nice job with that."

Lombard has also done a good job of not relying solely on his size to succeed since he started playing in the fourth grade.

"His feet are very good and he uses his hands very well," Donatucci said. "He's smart and coachable and he's got the frame.

"If you go down the list he's got the things you want. And he knows being an offensive lineman is about technique and not size."

Lombard comes into this season not only 10 pounds stronger but also much wiser about what everyone is doing up front.

"The game has definitely slowed down and my understanding of everything is a lot better and why it happens," Lombard said. "Overall I feel a lot better about everything.

"As a sophomore it definitely was fast. Now I can see everything and know what the defense is trying to do."

Lombard is also excited about getting some opportunities this year to hit an opposing quarterback or two. And what figures to be Fremd's increased emphasis on the running game is a dream for any offensive lineman.

That's why Lombard didn't mind a summer where the workload increased to a daily dose of triples.

"In my three years it was definitely the hardest we've been pushed as a team in the offseason and summer," Lombard said. "We have guys who work hard and want it and that's what I like about our team.

"I'm really excited for this season."

For all the right reasons.