MJC's Keith Yamamoto has a strong work ethic and a nose for the football

It's about 9 o'clock on a midweek night. Work time for Keith Yamamoto.

He answers his phone while he's driving the rig that bales hay, a chore he has done for years on the family acreage near Patterson. Say this about Yamamoto, whether he's attaching himself to the legs of opposing running backs for Modesto Junior College or logging hours on the farm — the young man can multi-task.

"When I hear people talking about getting a job, they should work on a farm," he says.

Yamamoto clearly has channeled that work ethic onto the football field for MJC. Saturday afternoon's game at home against Feather River will be his 14th as a Pirate, and head coach Sam Young describes his nonstop inside linebacker simply as "our best football player."

Why?

• Yamamoto totaled five tackles and two assists during the Pirates' upset victory over San Joaquin Delta.

• He registered 10 tackles, a remarkable seven for losses, two weeks ago against West Hills.

• He forced a muffed punt, following a 40-yard sprint after he longsnapped, which MJC recovered to set up a touchdown last week against Santa Rosa.

It is standard-issue preparation, really, for any sophomore not settling for the status quo. Though Yamamoto was named to the All-Golden Gate Conference team as a freshman, he sought more. He gained about 20 pounds over the offseason (he's 225) and, by all indications, did not lose any speed.

"I had to get stronger to take on linemen and put my hands on receivers," he said. "Last year, I felt like a safety playing linebacker, more finesse than physical. It's made me a more physical player."

Watching Yamamoto, however, proves he's more than just stats. He reads the play faster than any MJC linebacker in years and arrives at the ball quickly and with force. West Hills' Randy Maynes, an undersized tailback with an additional gear, gained yards if he somehow bypassed Yamamato. The linebacker won his share of snaps.

"Keith Yamamoto caused us some problems," West Hills coach Cal Tincher wrote in an e-mail response this week. "It was hard for our offensive lineman to get a hand on him."

By the way, Yamamoto's teammates have noticed.

"A lot of guys watch the backfield. Keith stays on his keys and reads the guards," said outside linebacker Seth Choate, who patrols the defense alongside Yamamoto. "I know he's always going to be there. Keith's there all the time."

Against Santa Rosa, Yamamoto raced behind pulling blockers and nearly intercepted a screen pass. Such a move requires instinct, speed and a feel for the game.

"I'm out there on the island, and I'm getting ready for a tackle against a guy a lot bigger than me, and Keith comes out of nowhere and cleans the dude up," MJC corner Eric Crocker said. "He saves my life a lot."

Yamamoto's family tree is rooted deep, about a half-century deep, in the West Side. Thirteen relatives, from his father to five uncles to three of his mother's brothers, played football for Patterson High. The youngest of four, Keith contributed to the Tigers' arrival as a prep football power in 2006 and '07.

After two of his older brothers and sisters opted for Central Catholic, however, Keith and sister Shelby made back-to-the-future decisions.

"Our Patterson tradition is pretty cool," he said. "I wanted to honor our family and stay at Patterson."

He brings the same loyalty and accountability to the Pirates. His goal is to find a four-year school that will take a chance on an undersized linebacker armed with smarts and guile.

"He's a consummate football player," said Jim Stevens, the MJC defensive coordinator in his 10th season. "His ability to be coached ranks among the top linebackers I've had here. He's a can't-miss player. He's going to make someone (at the next level) very happy."

Regardless, Yamamoto performs at a level that will make him well-remembered at MJC. To him, football is just another row of hay to be baled, another running back to chase down.

"Going to MJC was a good choice for me," he said. "I might be able to play (at a four-year school) and maybe not, but MJC has made it easier to make that choice."

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.