Thorsby junior Kevin Brasher doesn’t approach practice like someone that was forced to sit out many practices last season because of a broken collarbone.

Brasher, one of many Rebels that will see significant playing time this year despite not playing most or all of last year, goes as hard as he can at whatever position coach Daryl Davis will let him line up at. Brasher, displaying an attitude that belies his stature, doesn’t relent while repeatedly running into the middle of Thorsby’s first team defense, which is trying to quiet him.

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“I’m still here,” Brasher said Friday, walking back to the huddle after yet another headfirst dive into a pool of sharks. “I ain’t going anywhere.”

Joining Brasher in a group of newcomers that hopes to help Thorsby improve on a 2-8 2007 season are junior receiver Evan Bryan, sophomore quarterback Andrew Farris, junior receiver Drake Hayes, freshman running back Eddie Hubbard and junior offensive guard Josh Whitman. All are likely starters. The infusion of talent can only help the Rebels, in terms of ability, depth and excitement.

The experience will have to come later, but there’s plenty of time for that for most of the Rebels. Thorsby this season will field only four seniors. One of those, Zack Hamm, is another player that wasn’t on the team in 2007. Only six players graduated from last year’s squad.

So, there’s definitely a bright future for Thorsby. But the focus is winning now, especially for the other seniors: Dusty Hayes and Ty Smith (who will anchor both the offensive and the defensive lines) and Shane Carr (who will contribute at cornerback).

Brasher’s role, meanwhile, is much less defined. Davis said he will likely see time at corner and outside linebacker. He could also punt. That’s a lot of jobs, but it isn’t enough for Brasher.

“If you need somebody to play scout team fullback, he’s there. If you need someone to play backup quarterback, he’s there,” Davis said. “He’s kind of a utility player. He’s just a tough-nosed kid.”

Brasher is just happy to be on the field after a wrist injury wrecked his freshman season and a broken collarbone ended his sophomore season just two games in.

“I’ll play anywhere,” Brasher said. “It doesn’t matter as long as I’m playing.”

Brasher hurt his collarbone riding a dirt bike. His approach to the activity is similar to the one he takes toward football: Brasher might get knocked down, but he’ll get back up.

“I still ride,” he said, “just not during football season.”