As Luke Darity makes the transition from linebacker to the safety position this fall, he will assume added responsibility.Now entering his third season as a defensive starter, the Warrenton senior is itching for more opportunities to stop opponents in their tracks and perhaps haul in a few interceptions.While he has been heralded more for his coverage skills thus far, Darity is hopeful 2013 will be a breakout year for him offensively.Last season he hauled in 19 catches for 201 yards.He was one of the Warriors’ top hitmen, recording 65 tackles.As a sophomore, Darity was strictly a defensive player, making 25 takedowns.He actually did not begin playing football until middle school, first spending his childhood years on the soccer field.Darity started playing T-ball at age 6 and has continued playing baseball since.He recently completed the season as a member of the Post 122 Senior Legion team, during which he played second base.Darity also started in the infield for the Warrenton school team, collecting 10 hits and seven RBIs, while scoring five runs. He was part of a team that reached the district championship game for just the second time in school history.Outside of sports, Darity is involved in Student Council and plans to join Rotary this year.He is an avid outdoorsman, spending his leisure time hunting, fishing, wakeboarding and skiing. Q: If you had to choose just one sport to play, which would you choose and why?“I would say football, because it’s more of a team sport, and I have more passion for it.”Q: What are you anticipating most about football season?“This year’s team feels like more of a family than it did last year, so I’m excited about that. Hopefully we can go .500 and make it past districts.”Q: What personal goals do you have for your senior season?“I want to become All-District and All-Conference and be a great team leader.”Q: What is the best part about playing linebacker?“Being right up there in the action and being able to stick kids as soon as they crossed the line.”Q: What is the greatest challenge of transitioning from linebacker to safety?“The toughest part would probably be the deeper coverages and having more area to cover. The linebacker has just a small area whereas the safety has half the field to cover.”Q: What areas of your game have improved the most?“Definitely as a wide receiver from my sophomore year on. It shows on film, and the coaches have pointed it out, and I can see it myself. I’ve started defense the past three years, but I like offense more because you get the ball.”Q: Why is second base a good fit for you on the baseball field?“Playing second base requires a lot of range and diving for balls, which I love to do, so it’s a challenging spot and actually fun to play.”Q: What was your greatest accomplishment this baseball season?“Being part of the team that made it to the district championship for only the second time ever for our school.”Q: How did you stay motivated during a winless Legion baseball season?“The passion that I have for baseball kept me going.”Q: Have you ever considered a winter sport?“I’m not too shabby at basketball, so I just take my winter time to work out and get better for next season.”Q: What is your greatest sports memory?“My freshman year, being part of the football team that went to state. It gave me that desire to want to go back there again.”Q: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?“My father. He always pushes me to the maximum level of effort that I can give and is always there when I need him. He’s been a great leader and motivator for me. He was a great baseball player too.”Q: Who would you pick to play your character in a movie?“Ashton Kutcher, because he’s got a way with the ladies.”Q: How would you describe the difference between you and your younger brother, Jack?“We’re pretty much the same when it comes to athletics, very competitive. On the academic level, I always strive a little more than he does.”Favorite Food: “Medium Rare Steak.”Favorite Restaurant: “Landmark Buffet at Ameristar.”Favorite Movie: “World War Z.”Favorite TV Show: “House.”Favorite Song: “Summer Girls” by Timeflies Tuesday.Favorite Musician: “Kenny Chesney.”

Luke Darity was the Athlete of the Month for July.

Bill Barrett Photo.