Brian Hehir, the back-up offensive center was named captain yesterday of the 1974 Harvard football team. The 19-year-old junior is the first second stringer named to the post since Justin Hughes captained the 1966 squad.

He is also the first offensive lineman selected as captain since center John O'Brien in 1964.

Jack-of-All-Trades

Hehir has been a jack-of-all-trades along the offensive line, playing tackle and guard in his sophomore year. He saw considerable action in 1972 against Brown and Princeton and then cracked into the starting lineup at the end of the season against Yale.

After his late season performance in 1972, the coaching staff shifted Hehir to center for the 1973 season. He shared that position all year with sophomore Carl Culig.

"I didn't really expect to get elected," Hehir said yesterday. "I felt very pleased and honored, and I hope I can keep up the unity Dave St. Pierre established."

Coach Joe Restic said yesterday that the selection was a great tribute to Hehir. "The coaches all along have recognized the unselfish contributions he has made and I'm please that his teammates have noticed also."

Hehir's status as a second-team player presents an unusual situation. Traditionally, the captain is a starter. But Restic insists, "You never know what is going to develop and Brian has always been in the position to give maximum help."

Most Valuable

In other football honors announced yesterday, senior quarterback Jim Stoeckel, who holds all of Harvard's passing records, became the 25th recipient of the Frederick Greeley Crocker Award. The award is given annually to the most valuable player on Harvard's varsity football team.

Stoeckel received the award last night at the Annual Football Dinner at the Harvard Club of Boston.

Stoekel ranks as Harvard's all-time pass leader after an exceptional senior year in which he set career marks in attempts (315), completions (166), yardage (2097), and percentage (.527).

Dedication and Concern

Senior defensive tackle Justin Harrington received the Lamar Award which honors the senior who through dedication to the program and concern for his fellow players has made a unique contribution to Harvard football.

Harrington played on the junior varsity squad for two years, but developed into a valuable defensive alternate at left tackle this fall and won a letter.

Dave Dobbs, reserve tight end for three seasons was presented the Lacroix award for the team's unsung hero. Dobbs saw action primarily on the JV, where he caught three touchdown passes this fall.