When he's not bursting by defensive linemen, stiff-arming linebackers or barrelling over safeties, the B.C. Football Conference's leading rusher enjoys the quiet and tranquility of gardening.

"It's peaceful. It's time to myself, time to think and time to reflect," says Jamel Lyles, the first-year Westshore Rebel who's quickly, and literally, becoming a runaway candidate for the league's Outstanding Offensive Player award.

Perhaps it shouldn't come as a surprise. Lyles, often the loudest guy in the room according to his teammates, is also deeply reflective.