And now, 12 years later, Ramer is leading more than 100 football players who don the crimson, black and white of Harvard. Who would have guessed?

"It's scary when you think back," Ramer said.

Even starting out as a freshman football player was somewhat intimidating for Ramer.

"Everyone seemed to be an all-state something or captain of their high school team," Ramer said. "But I realized after a bit that I could compete at this level."

Ramer's successful freshman campaign was followed by an injury-plagued sophomore season. Ramer's career, however, took a dramatic upward turn last year when he earned a starting position at linebacker.

"I got a chance to crack into the starting lineup, and my intensity and level of play increased," Ramer said. "I have a lot of confidence this year since I've been there before."

"There's just a fire burning in his eyes," senior linebacker Joe McClellan said. "He wants to do the best job that he could do. He's really taken on a lot of responsibility."

Nine tough games, including four consecutive painful losses, have taken their toll on Ramer and his teammates, but The Game on Saturday gives the Currier House resident one more chance to lead his team to victory.

"The Yale game is our bowl game," he said. "To end with a win would give the seniors and [retiring Head Coach Joe Restic] a good note to go out on."

What happens when the final gun sounds is unpredictable, but there will definitely be an empty feeling for Ramer and the other seniors whose competitive playing days will most likely be over.

"I can't anticipate the emotions when I take off the Harvard jersey for the last time," Ramer said. "I don't feel like my career is over--I've gotten better every game and each season."