NATCHEZ — James Claiborne might as well be a chameleon on the Jefferson County High School football team.

Claiborne, who played quarterback for Jefferson County last season in place of an injured Rashard Brown, has played quarterback, running back, wide receiver, cornerback, safety and even a little linebacker in his career. As a senior, he will be asked to do a little bit of everything, which is right down Claiborne’s alley.

“I like playing defense, but I like scoring,” Claiborne said. “I can’t say I favor anything over the other. Just give me a ball on the field, and I can play anything.”

While Claiborne’s more natural position is at wide receiver, head coach James Herrington said Claiborne would likely be dropping back to pass often.

“As the season draws near, he’s starting to get more reps at quarterback every day,” Herrington said. “We actually have three guys at quarterback, and the scary thing about it is we have all three players on the field at once. So opponents won’t know who’s coming under center. With Claiborne in the backup spot, it always makes you sleep a little better when you have a three-letter veteran in that role.”

Accustomed to being a man who wears many hats on the football field, Claiborne wouldn’t be against shifting from receiver to quarterback.

“We have some young quarterbacks, so if things get hectic, I won’t mind moving to quarterback and helping the team out,” Claiborne said.

Where Claiborne has made a name for himself, however, is on the defensive side of the ball. Last season, Claiborne was one of the leading tacklers on the team as a cornerback for the Tigers. He also accounted for three interceptions. While he’ll still line up at cornerback some this season, Jefferson County is looking to use his abilities at safety.

“When you have a guy that leads the team in tackles at the cornerback position, it makes you want to put him everywhere,” Herrington said. “We’re in a run-heavy district, so we’re going to put him at the safety position and give him an opportunity to move around and play free.”

While scoring is an attractive component most football players enjoy, Claiborne favors spectacular defensive plays just as much. In fact, he tries to replicate one of the best safeties in the NFL.

“My favorite player is Earl Thomas,” Claiborne said. “I wouldn’t say I favor making big hits or making interceptions over the other. I just like to make plays.”

Claiborne has high expectations heading into the season, which he hopes to end with All-State recognition and a long run in the playoffs. Among those lofty goals, Claiborne hopes to be a leader his team can turn to for any circumstance, hoping to deliver in many roles with his team.

“It’s always a plus when you have a guy that is versatile,” Herrington said. “Any given night, you could face a defense that has his number in one position, but do they have his number in another position?”