Richmond Senior middle linebacker Eugene Flowers is a big part of the Raiders’ defense.

His Raider teammates, coaches and fans know that.

And at least one statewide observer of North Carolina high school football apparently agrees.

Flowers was recently named to ncpreps.com’s pre-season Class 4A All-State team as a linebacker.

Flowers, a senior, was surprised to learn he’d been tabbed by the Web site.

But not surprisingly, he deflected much of the praise to his teammates.

“The defensive line does a great job of holding off the offensive line, so we can make plays,” Flowers said.

In the Raiders’ 4-3 defensive scheme, the middle or “Mike” linebacker - Flowers’ position - is especially important.

“You’re expected to make the big plays,” Flowers said.

Last week in the 2010 season opener against Providence, Flowers had one solo tackle and two assists.

As a senior and returning starter on a defense with just three starters back, Flowers knows he’s expected to be a leader. He’s up to the challenge.

Flowers hopes to continue his football career in college.

He’s received some interest from Campbell University, and he hopes the all-state recognition will raise his profile a bit.

But team goals come first, Flowers said.

Contact sports editor David Vantress at 997-3111, ext. 14 or via email at dvantress@yourdailyjournal.com.