But within the hulking, reluctant star still resides the anxiety of an often painful childhood he doesn't care to revisit. Dysfunctional home life. Little direction. Plenty of anger and frustration.
To those who know him well, it's a miracle he is attending college, let alone starring for the nation's No. 2 ranked team.
How Lyerla has made it this far is one aspect of his past he doesn't mind discussing. How through the help of coaches, teachers, counselors, administrators and parents of friends he overcame precarious pitfalls to stay in school, remain focused and live up to his potential.