By A.J. Carr, Staff Writer

DURHAM - As Division I defensive linemen go, N.C. Central's Courtney Coard was considered "undersized" at 5 feet 10 and 255 pounds.
But during the offseason, he didn't try to beef up. Instead, he downsized even more, dropping to about 245 pounds in hopes of adding speed and quickness, already two of his chief assets.

Since arriving at NCCU in 2004 after helping Charlotte Independence win four straight high school state championships, Coard has blown holes in the bigger-is-better theory.

Every fall, behemoths have tried to take his position -- and every year Coard beats them out. This year, he will be a starter for the fourth consecutive season as NCCU transitions from NCAA Division II to Division I.

On game days, Coard typically goes up against offensive linemen who outweigh him by 50 to 100 pounds. Some make the mistake of underestimating how hard-nosed the Eagles' nose tackle is.

"A lot of them think I'm the weakest link," Coard said during a photo session Sunday. "[But] I use technique, speed and keep a low pad level. Get under their pads; that's how you make plays."

Coach Mose Rison revels in the way the Eagle runs "sideline-to-sideline" to corral ball carriers, one reason Coard tied for second in tackles (57) on NCCU's CIAA championship team last year.

He is among six seniors back on defense, which again should be a strength for the Eagles.

Coard -- nicknamed "Little Sapp" after his NFL hero, Warren Sapp -- sports closely cropped hair, a pencil-thin mustache, and a short beard. Quiet off the field, but vocal on it, he comports himself with the aura of a champion -- one who has also come back from shoulder surgery.

Four years at Independence and guidance from his mother, Ellen, and late father, Presley, helped produce his can-do attitude.

To honor his father, Coard wears tape on his wrist bearing the words: "Rest in Peace, Pop."

"This is how I keep him close," Coard said.

"He supported me in everything I did, told me how to be a man, to never give up, to strive to be the best."

Carlos Hardy, a three-year starter on the offensive line, has seen the best of Coard in head-to-head practice duels.

"He's my toughest opponent,'' Hardy said. "He's smaller than most defensive linemen, but quick ... and has a great work ethic."

There was a time when Coard wasn't sure he would be playing football at N.C. Central. Though an honor student in high school, he said he had trouble scoring high enough on the entrance exams. Turns out, he turned into a solid student, posting a 2.9 grade-point average.

A business major, he eventually wants to get his real estate license. While busy with books and football, Coard also blocks out time during the season to join teammates at a weekly Bible study.

"I've watched him grow," Rison said. "He's an outstanding student, an outstanding young man. Our football team really looks up to him."

Undersized? Maybe.

But not overlooked. 
 

Staff writer A.J. Carr can be reached at 829-8948 or aj.carr@newsobserver.com.