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A 3-year starter, Fields (5-11, 185) knows the linebacker responsibilities and alignments by heart. Loyd Star defensive coordinator Josh Thibodeaux appreciates the wisdom.
"David is our quarterback on defense," said Thibodeaux.
Ross agreed. "David is our Mike linebacker. He's our quarterback on defense and gets our guys lined up. He is one of the best examples we have as a team leader and a team player. He's very reliable."
On offense, Fields plays tight end. He rotates with 2 other tight ends.
Fields began his varsity career as a backup freshman quarterback but quickly discovered he liked defense best. "I found my niche on defense."
Loyd Star's season opener on William E. "Sambo" Smith Field attracted a large crowd, estimated at 1,500. Thunderstorms delayed a portion of the game and some fans stayed home.
"We were the underdogs," said Fields as the Hornets hosted the powerful Class 3A Bulldogs. "We were trying to focus on what the coaches wanted us to do. We wanted to fly to the football on defense. We had a good game plan."
Fields said Loyd Star's senior team members are a close-knit group. "We are tight. We focus and play together."
He likes his responsibility at middle (Mike) linebacker. "I have a lot of freedom in the middle. I can roam around a lot. I'm also vulnerable to the interior linemen."
His favorite defensive play is slanting off the nose guard and stopping the runner in the backfield.
Fields said he has plenty of help on defense. Also working at linebacker are T.J. Floyd on the strong side and Travis Sorrells on the weak side.
Cody Langham starts at nose guard. Clint Scott is defensive tackle. Anthony Thompson and C.J. Ducksworth are the ends.
In the secondary, DeAndrea Butler is at strong safety. Adrian Newton, Marquis Sims and Marquis Hayes play free safety. Cornerbacks are Fred Clark and McKinley Hamilton.
Looking to the future, the 18-year-old son of David and Rene Fields wants to earn a scholarship to Harding University in Searcy, Ark. He plans to major in criminal justice. He has a 10-year-old sister, Thea.
In his spare time, Fields said he enjoys pulling for the Auburn Tigers. He follows the New Orleans Saints on Sundays. His favorite NFL player is linebacker Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Hornets hunt their second win of the season at Natchez Cathedral Friday night.
